Santiago Ponzinibbio steps back into the ring after a two-year hiatus to take on Li Jingliang in a welterweight clash. 888sport has the Argentine as a big favorite at -305. It’s short notice for Jingliang, which may cost him against an eager Ponzinibbio, who will win after 3 rounds.
Santiago Ponzinibbio and Li Jingliang are set for a UFC Fight Island 7 welterweight clash after their respective opponents dropped out of their scheduled fights. New Jersey’s top MMA betting site has the best UFC predictions for this matchup, as legal sports betting sites have Ponzinibbio as the clear favorite. 888sport has the best straight-up odds for Ponzinibbio at -305, but NJ sportsbook reviews offer breakdowns of the best sportsbooks. Poinzinibbio, dubbed “Gente Boa,” will be making his return to the octagon after a 26-month hiatus since his last bout on November 117, 2018, where he won by decision against Neil Magny. The “Argentine Dagger” was in peak form before his hiatus, winning seven in a row, but has been sidelined with a plethora of issues, including injuries and COVID-19. He also lost his spot in the UFC rankings due to prolonged inactivity, making it difficult for him to land an opponent for his comeback. Nevertheless, he is ready for action against Li Jingliang, who accepted the challenge with just three weeks’ notice. A brave move indeed. Li, also known as “The Leech, ” should not be underestimated, despite what the oddsmakers say. He is a formidable opponent with a great all-around skill set that will allow him to exchange strikes with Ponzinibbio, and before his defeat to Neil Magny in March, Li was riding a solid three-match winning streak dating back to June 2018. It will be a great fight between two tough fighters, but I don’t think it’ll be a cakewalk for Ponzinibbio, despite the short notice for Li. 888sport has Li Jingliang as +240 underdog, but FanDuel presents terrific value for Ponzinibbio to win in Round 3 at +950. A specific and risky bet, but I think Li lasts long enough for this to happen.
My prediction Santiago Ponzinibbio is the favorite for this matchup, but it won’t be easy against Li Jingliang. The Argentinian hasn’t seen the octagon for over two years but should still win. Li will last at least until the 3rd Round, where Ponzinibbio should end it. Ponzinibbio with a KO in the 3rd Round.