VIDEO: Santiago Ponzinibbio gets disoriented and hits his face on the fence after knockout at UFC Des Moines

Santiago Ponzinibbio erases with a brutal cross and stars in a strong moment in UFC Des Moines. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

On a night of twists and turns in the UFC Des Moines, held this Saturday (3), the Argentine Santiago Ponzinibbio suffered a devastating knockout in the third round against Daniel Rodriguez. The veteran, known as 'Gente Boa', was knocked to the ground after a left hook from the American and, when trying to get up, lost his balance and hit his face on the octagon fence. Watch the scene below.

The loss halted Ponzinibbio's bid to regain stability in the welterweight division. With three losses in his last four fights — including a controversial split decision against muslim salikhov in 2024 —, the former member of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 2 faces questions about his future in the sport.

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At the beginning of the fight, Ponzinibbio demonstrated control of the distance with precise jabs and kicks to the body, connecting blows that marked his opponent. Rodriguez, however, responded with short punches and exploited a slip by the Argentine in the first round.

In the second round, the balance prevailed. The Argentinean sought takedowns to slow Rodriguez's momentum, but the American recovered quickly, keeping up the pressure.

The final turnaround came in the third round: Ponzinibbio advanced with a series of blows, but Rodriguez countered with a left cross that knocked him down. The Argentine, visibly stunned, tried to get up after the referee stopped the fight, but stumbled and collided with the octagon structure.

VIDEO: Santiago Ponzinibbio falls unconscious and hits his face on the fence after knockout at UFC Des Moines

End of the line! Knockout @DRodUFC in the third round! #UFCDesMoines

[Watch the event LIVE on @UFCFightPassBR | Subscribe now: https://t.co/OD62F561g5 ] pic.twitter.com/sj01nKnVD5

- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) May 4, 2025

LEFT HOOK PUTS HIM DOWN

Daniel Rodriguez earns the 3rd round TKO

[ #UFCDesMoines LIVE NOW on ESPN] pic.twitter.com/OoCU9Cmiis

- UFC (@ufc) May 4, 2025