Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Wendell Oliveira
Credit: UFC.com
Riley Kontek
It's good to see Wendell Oliveira get a shot in the UFC, as he was a guy who should have made
The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 but got an elimination-round bout against Warlley Alves. He is a well-rounded vet with all sorts of skills. Ponzinibbio was one of the few guys to come off the second Brazilian season and did not look so hot in his UFC bout against Ryan LaFlare. He will struggle against the seasoned vet and get his walking papers after the effort.
Oliveira, Unanimous decision
Craig Amos
Ponzinibbio had won seven straight prior to dropping a division in his UFC debut, but since two of those wins came against a guy with a 1-11 professional record, I remain unconvinced. Oliveira, on the other hand, has beaten both Jonathan Jonathan (0-2) and Ivan Ivan (0-1). Based on that intel, the choice is clear.
Oliveira, Unanimous decision
Scott Harris
Ponzinibbio has to be the toughest surname to intuitively spell in the UFC, outside of Joanna Jedrzejczyk. I hope both of these individuals are cut. I think Oliveira will help me out with that. He's a bruiser who should punish that other guy for the win.
Oliveira, Unanimous decision
James MacDonald
This is hardly the most spectacular fight on the card. I don't think either man is likely to be challenging for the 170-pound title. That being said, I'm giving Oliveira the edge over Ponzinibbio.
Oliveira, Unanimous decision
Sean Smith
I seriously thought about going with Ponzinibbio in this matchup, but I will also pick Oliveira. While he didn't make it to the
TUF: Brazil finals like Ponzinibbio would have had it not been for injury, Oliveira did battle to a split decision with eventual tournament winner Warlley Alves.
Oliveira, Unanimous decision