The UFC Rio card, scheduled for October 11 at Farmasi Arena, has just gained another heavyweight duel in the welterweight division (up to 77kg). The organization has officially announced the fight between Vicente Luque and Santiago Ponzinibbio , two veteran names known to the Brazilian public. The announcement was made by the Ultimate on social media this Monday (11).
Vicente Luque has a curious relationship with the flags he represents. Born in the United States, but the son of a Brazilian mother, the 'Silent Assassin' was raised in Brazil and has always presented himself as a Brazilian athlete. The fighter returns to the country after eight years. His last fight on Brazilian soil was in October 2017, when he defeated Niko Price in São Paulo.
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Although born in Argentina, Santiago Ponzinibbio also has a long relationship with Brazil. Having lived in the country since the beginning of his MMA career, he built a significant part of his career in Brazilian octagons, training with Brazilian teams and developing fluent Portuguese.
The 38-year-old 'Good Guy' gained prominence by participating in the reality show The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2 in 2013, as a representative of Rodrigo Minotauro 's team.
Both fighters are looking to bounce back in the UFC after recent setbacks. Luque was submitted by Kevin Holland at UFC 316 in June, in his most recent fight. Ponzinibbio, on the other hand, is trying to get back on the winning track after being knocked out by Daniel Rodriguez in May.
Two of your favorites face to face at #UFCRio
They are not holding back and we all know it, Vicente Luque faces Santiago Ponzinibbio on October 11th. pic.twitter.com/S545wbc06B
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) August 11, 2025
UFC Rio Fights
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev – main event
Middleweight (up to 77kg): Vicente Luque vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio
Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Thomas Petersen vs. Vitor Petrino
Strawweight (up to 52,1kg): Karolina Kowalkiewicz x Julia Polastri
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Stewart Nicoll vs. Lucas Rocha
Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Jhonata Diniz vs. Mario Pinto
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Irina Alekseeva vs. Bia Mesquita
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