Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez round-by-round updates: UFC Des Moines: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez: Live round-by-round updates

Santiago Ponzinibbio and Daniel Rodriguez will square off in a gritty contest at UFC Des Moines. Both fighters, at 38, are durable and known for their toughness. But it’s their recent form that makes this fight a must-watch.

Ponzinibbio snapped a rough patch earlier this year with a TKO win over Carlston Harris and proved that he’s still got the power and pressure that once carried him to a seven-fight win streak. The Argentine may not be the force he was before injuries derailed his rise, but he’s dangerous when he finds rhythm. A second straight win would mark a turning point in a career stuck in stop-start mode.

On the other side, Rodriguez enters with some relief after halting a three-fight slide with a close win over Alex Morono. He has faced top-tier names like Neil Magny and Ian Garry.

The prelims of UFC Des Moines go down at 4:00 PM PT/ 7:00 PM ET, followed by the main card at 7:00 PM PT/ 10 PM ET. Fans can catch the coverage of the event on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

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Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the fight:

Round 1

Rodriguez opens with a stiff jab on Ponzinibbio. Both fighters are fighting measured in the southpaw vs. orthodox stance battle. Rodriguez is looking for the opening behind the jabs. He's sticking out the jab to the body while Ponzinibbio hasn't let his hands go yet. Strong body kick and an inside leg kick from Ponzinibbio. Quick one-two combination from Rodriguez. Ponzinibbio shoots for a takedown after another body kick. Rodriguez stifles Ponzinibbio with a left hand after a brief slip while trying to enter range. Rodriguez swarms for the finish, lands solid strikes, but Ponzinibbio survives to see the end of the round.

Our Score: 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 2

Rodriguez gets back to his jab forward attacks. Ponzinibbio is showing some urgency in the second round. Rodriguez is doing a great job in the boxing range. Ponzinibbio lands a solid one-two combination. Rodriguez is stringing together combinations now. Ponzinibbio is on the attack now, recognising that Rodriguez might be getting tired. Strong body kick and another one-two combination for Ponzinibbio.

Our Score: 10-9 Ponzinibbio (19-19 overall)

Round 3

Both fighters trade jabs in the center of the octagon. Rodriguez strings together a brilliant five-punch combination and down goes Ponzinibbio. The referee steps in to stop the fight, and that's a wrap!

Official Result

Daniel Rodriguez defeats Santiago Ponzinibbio via TKO at the 1:27 mark of the third round.

About the author

Abhishek Ramadasan Nambiar is a journalist who covers MMA at Sportskeeda. As a long-time practitioner of various martial arts, seeing the fusion of different forms into a quest for the ultimate fighter felt both primal and profoundly technical. At Sportskeeda, Abhishek's primary goal is to offer a fresh and distinctive angle through his writing, aiming to provide readers with more than just the basics of MMA. Along with keeping them informed about the latest developments in the sport, he strives to offer valuable insights that enhance their understanding of MMA.

When not writing about MMA, Abhishek often spends time reviewing music or devouring Brian Evanson's and Blake Crouch's work. Sign up to receive news, regular updates, and exclusive coverage.

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Edited by Abhishek Nambiar