Ponzinibbio Favored in a Brand New Matchup
It’s not a UFC event unless there is a last-minute switch-up happening. With Robbie Lawler falling out, Santiago Ponzinibbio takes on Alex Morono in a catchweight (180 pounds) bout. The UFC betting lines favor Ponzinibbio though he takes on a fighter on a four-fight winning streak. But instead of picking a side, the totals could be the best UFC bet here.
Let’s check the latest UFC fight card, stats, and UFC predictions for Ponzinibbio vs Morono. We’ve plenty of UFC fight night odds for you to consider.
Alex Morono will step in for the injured Robbie Lawler and fight Santiago Ponzinibbio on just 5 days’ notice.#UFC282 | Full story: https://t.co/SLK7y6st3v pic.twitter.com/wFRAoFaNQr
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 6, 2022
Morono Is One Tough Customer
Entering his 16th UFC bout, Morono has been one of the promotion’s most dependable fighters. This man has never pulled out of a UFC bout and fights at least twice a year. The sturdy Texan has also come through as an underdog for folks betting online. Morono has won six of his eight UFC bouts as a dog.
The welterweight is not the most skilled fighter but he is incredibly durable. He’s only been finished once in his last 13 bouts and has fought some potent KO artists like Matthew Semelsberger and Kenan Song.
Morono is primarily a striker and one that has improved on his defense. Overall, he stands at a 57% significant strike defense. But in recent bouts, he’s made fighters miss. Semelsberger landed just 32% of his 229 significant strike attempts. Mickey Gall landed 45% of 144. Combined with his solid chin, Morono will see to the fight going the distance.
Scoop on Free Play from the Locker Room
Ponzinibbio Can’t Afford Another “L”
It says a lot about how desperate Ponzinibbio must be if he’s willing to take a five-day notice fight against a more difficult opponent. The former top-five fighter has won one of his four fights since returning from his two-year layoff. But this could be a bad case of “deja vu” for him and his camp.
When Ponzinibbio returned, he also has his original bout swapped: Li Jingliang stepped in for Muslim Salikhov. The result was a stunning upset as Li knocked Ponzinibbio out in the first round. It was the fifth-biggest upset of 2021.
But at 36, Ponzinibbio has no room for error if he is to remain a contender. He not only needs a win to stay relevant but against an unranked fighter like Morono. This is a high-risk low-reward proposition for the “Argentine Dagger”. But as they say, beggars can’t be choosers.
Ponzinibbio vs Morono Head-to-Head
Ponzinibbio will be the slightly larger fighter in this bout. He sports a one-inch advantage in height and reach. Both strike with the orthodox stance. Morono is four years younger. They have had about the same number of fights in the UFC.
Ponzinibbio vs Morono Fight Information
- Fighters: Ponzinibbio (28-6-0) vs Morono (22-7-0, 1 NC)
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Day/Time: Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 p.m. ET
- Ponzinibbio vs Morono Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass
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Ponzinibbio vs Morono Betting Lines
Ponzinibbio vs Morono Picks & Prediction
This is such a dangerous fight for both Ponzinibbio and his backers. Against Lawler, Ponzinibbio was facing a fighter on his last legs. Alas, Lawler got hurt and now Ponzinibbio faces the younger and tougher Morono. At the current odds, this is a “dog or pass” situation for Morono. Bet him straight and also bet the over 2½ rounds. Both are worth their price at the sportsbook.
Santiago Ponzinibbio is listed at -180 in our Vegas UFC lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Ponzinibbio, you can win $56. Alex Morono is +150, offering a chance to win $150 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Ponzinibbio a 64.29% chance to win, with Morono at 40.00%.
