[RANK5=John Hyon Ko] For the first-ever event in the country of Chile, the Ulitmate Fighting Championship has appointed top-notch welterweights Kamaru Usman and Santiago Ponzinibbio to main event the show.
Usman, "The Nigerian Nightmare", has been a terror in the Octagon since joining the promotion in 2015. The grappling monster has reeled off 11 in a row and defeated the likes of Leon Edwards, Warlley Alves, Hayder Hassan and Emil Meek during that run. The 30-year-old is one of the most dangerous matchups for any individual in the welterweight division.
Ponzinibbio, the 31-year-old Argentian, is coming in hot riding a six-fight win streak. With the vicious striking he possesses, the American Top Team product has knocked out contenders such as Gunnar Nelson and Court McGee. With the ability to change the dynamics of the fight with one swift punch, he is a problem for the athletes that cannot get him to the ground.
This is a grappler versus striker in its purest form which makes it a very intriguing clash. While Ponzinibbio will try to thwart the takedowns of his opponent to keep the fight upright to land bombs, Usman will likely not take the risk of trading haymakers and force his foe's back to the mat so he can pummel his face until the ref steps in.
In the co-main event, a light heavyweight bout between former title-challenger Volkan Oezdemir and former divisional champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. This is a huge opportunity for both combatants but also a big risk for Oezdemir since he just fought for the title.
UFC Fight Night 129 will happen on May 19 in Santiago, Chile at the Movistar Arena.
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