Eight years later, Vicente Luque returns to fight in Brazil and faces 'Brazilian Argentine' at UFC Rio

Fighter faces Santiago Ponzinibbio, Argentine veteran who built his career on Brazilian soil

Igor Ribeiro

11/08/2025 | 15:43

vicente luque

Vincent Luque in action in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/ Facebook @ufc

The UFC Rio card, scheduled for October 11th at Farmasi Arena, has just added another heavyweight duel in the welterweight division (up to 77kg). The organization has made official the fight between Vincent Luque e Santiago Ponzinibbio, two veteran names known to the Brazilian public. The announcement was made by Ultimate on social media this Monday (11).

Vincent Luque has a curious relationship with the flags he represents. Born in the United States to 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 won. Niko Price in Sao Paulo.

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Although he is Argentine by birth, Santiago Ponzinibbio also has a long-standing relationship with Brazil. Based in the country since the beginning of his MMA career, he built much of his career in the Brazilian octagon, training with Brazilian teams and developing fluent Portuguese.

The 38-year-old 'Gente Boa' gained prominence when he participated in the reality show The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2, in 2013, as a representative of the team Rodrigo Minotauro.

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Both fighters are looking to bounce back in the UFC after recent setbacks. Luque was submitted by Kevin holland No. UFC 316, in June, in his most recent fight. Ponzinibbio is now trying to get back to winning ways after being knocked out by Daniel Rodriguez in may.

UFC Rio Fights

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Charles of the Bronx x Raphael Fiziev – main fight

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Welterweight (up to 77kg): Vincent Luque x Santiago Ponzinibbio

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Thomas Petersen x Victor Petrino

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Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Karolina Kowalkiewicz x Julia Polastri

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Stewart Nicoll x Lucas Rocha

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Jonathan Diniz x Mario Pinto

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Irina Alekseeva x Bia Mosque

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