Michel Pereira vs Santiago Ponzinibbio — Fight recap

Michel Pereira won a split decision over Santiago Ponzinibbio in a three-round welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night on May 21, 2022, with referee Herb Dean officiating. Pereira landed 110 significant strikes at 50% accuracy while Ponzinibbio connected on 105 at 47%, a marginal difference that reflected the fight's competitive nature.

Pereira's striking was more varied and efficient, particularly with body work (42 of 56) and leg kicks (16 of 17), though neither fighter attempted takedowns or submissions. Ponzinibbio secured one takedown from four attempts and maintained slightly more control time at 18 seconds compared to Pereira's one second, but couldn't leverage that advantage into decisive moments.

The split decision underscored how closely matched these welterweights were throughout, with judges ultimately favoring Pereira's output and striking precision over Ponzinibbio's limited grappling attempts. The result keeps Pereira in contention at 170 pounds while Ponzinibbio faces questions about his comeback trajectory.