Santiago Ponzinibbio (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Although Santiago Ponzinibbio has yet to crack the top five in the UFC’s welterweight ranks, the surging fighter believes he’s done enough to secure a title fight with Tyron Woodley.

Ponzinibbio worked his way to a unanimous decision win over  Mike Perry last weekend at UFC on FOX 26, and in doing so, extended his winning streak to six. Since then, the Argentinean fighter spoke with MMA Fighting, and while doing so, Ponzinibbio said this:

“What else I have to do to show I will be the next champion in this division?” Ponzinibbio asked. “I’m ready. I want to fight Tyron Woodley. If he doesn’t want to fight now, wants to do surgery, give me Rafael dos Anjos. He just arrived in the division, has three fights in the division, and I won six straight. I think it would be a good fight to determine the next title contender.”

“Nothing personal,” he continued. “I wanted the winner (of Lawler vs. dos Anjos). I think they were close to the belt, as I am, too, so if Tyron Woodley will stay out for some time, create an interim belt or let us fight in a title eliminator bout. I think it’s fair.”

Dos Anjos also competed at UFC on FOX 26, and scored a UD win over former champ, Robbie Lawler. RDA has said he intends to wait for a title fight with Woodley.

Ponzinibbio is currently ranked #9 in the UFC’s welterweight division, while RDA is sitting in the #2 spot.