Santiago Ponzinibbio takes on Michel Pereira in a very fun fight as the co-main event of UFC Vegas 55. The fight features two very fun South Americans in what is supposed to guarantee a knockout. Ponzinibbio is finally back and fighting consistently after missing a few years due to a very serious illness and countless injuries. Pereira looks to prove he can do more than just a bunch of fancy flips as he looks to beat a top welterweight. It's time to continue our UFC odds series with a Santiago Ponzinibbio Michel Pereira prediction and pick.

 

The fight is very much needed on a card that lacks star power. The two are both heavy hitters and prefer to keep the fight on their feet. While this could lead to both men hesitating to engage, the past fights have shown that they're not afraid to go toe to toe with anyone. This is one exciting co-main event and there's a good chance it earns a bonus for Fight of the Night.

Santiago Ponzinibbio is back fighting regularly after a plethora of health problems kept him out of the sport for over two years. Before he left, the welterweight was well on his way to becoming a top contender. He knocked out Neil Magny in Argentina and seemed to be the next big contender at welterweight. Now, he's looking to get back on track and prove himself. He stayed very busy in 2021 and fought three times. He lost by knockout to Li Jingliang, beat Miguel Baeza in a very fun fight, and lost a very close decision to Geoff Neal. Based on results alone, he doesn't seem like the same big-time contender. Looking at the fights individually? His boxing is crisp and he's not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone. He has all the makings of a fun fighter and the UFC is booking him that way.

Michel Pereira is the definition of a fun fighter and is looking to prove that he's also a contender in the UFC. The Brazilian has racked up quite the win streak and is adjusting his style to the high level of the UFC. His fight against Tristan Connelly forced him to take a step back and readjust his style to go all three rounds if needed. He still utilizes spinning techniques and tends to get tired towards the final round. That being said, he's beating big names and shown new growth in his game. He's a big problem physically and has been bullying most of his opponents so far. He'll be looking to keep things going against the Argentine welterweight.

Here are the UFC Vegas 55 odds, featuring our Santiago Ponzinibbio-Michel Pereira prediction, courtesy of FanDuel.

UFC Vegas 55 Odds: Santiago Ponzinibbio-Michel Pereira Odds

Santiago Ponzinibbio (+122)

Michel Pereira (-150)

Over 2.5 rounds (-215)

Under 2.5 rounds (+164)

How Santiago Ponzinibbio Wins The Fight At UFC Vegas 55

Santiago Ponzinibbio has an excellent boxing game coupled with big power and a solid ground game. He's going to have to be patient in this fight and look to tire out the Brazilian before finding the finish. The Argentine likes to go blow for blow but he'll need to allow the giant Brazilian to tire himself out in the first round. Leg kicks and body shots while avoiding damage is going to be the key. Let the Brazilian lead in the early moments of each round and look to win the second half by using pressure and combinations while moving in and out of the pocket. Michel Pereira likes his space and will want to keep Ponzinibbio at range where he'll be able to fire off kicks and acrobatic shots. A high-pressure gameplan while using his leg kicks will be the key to winning this one. It will be close but the Argentine can win a decision by giving away the first round and using his pressure to win the last two. Ponzinibbio wins a decision.

How Michel Pereira Wins The Fight At UFC Vegas 55

Michel Pereira is a giant welterweight that fights with a high output and a very acrobatic style. He's reeled it in since his weird fight with Diego Sanchez and is finding a lot of success against very good competition. The question in this one is about Santiago Ponzinibbio's durability. The easy answer is the Brazilian makes it a brawl and lands a big shot to end the night. If only it was so simple though. The Argentine is a veteran and ins't going to allow some crazy kick to land without some kind of setup to mask it. Checking leg kicks and dealing with pressure is going to be the key in this one. Ponzinibbio's power is most likely make the Brazilian hesitant to jump on his if he's hurt but he'll need to pick his moments to unleash. The knockout is very possible but a decision is more likely as the Brazilian will have more activity and respect the power of his opponent. Pereira wins a decision.

Final Santiago Ponzinibbio-Michel Pereira Prediction & Pick

There is a big possibility these two could fight in a high-volume bout that sees the two covered in blood and fighting to avoid getting knocked out. The fact that both of these men pack a lot of firepower means there's going to be a lot of respect between the two. Santiago Ponzibbio will open up the fight by chopping at the legs and allowing the Brazilian to tire himself out with flashy moves. Michel Pereira is going to be content to let him lead to so he can find shots off the back foot. There's going to be a lot of movement and plenty of counterstriking. Ponzibbio will lead the dance and pressure. It's going to be interesting to see who's power plays a bigger factor and who is going to land the most shots. Both men are going to have their moments and the Argentine is going to find the most success late in the rounds and in the fight. Ultimately, Ponzinibbio will have his moments but the Brazilian has big power and has beaten a very similar-style opponent in his last bout. Pereira wins by decision.

Final Santiago Ponzinibbio-Michel Pereira Prediction & Pick: Michel Pereira wins by decision.