When Logan Paul called out football legend Lionel Messi to a boxing match to settle their energy drink legal battle, Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Chueko offered to step into the ring and face the YouTuber.
Now, Argentine welterweight Santiago Ponzinibbio wants in.
Ponzinibbio, who co-headlines UFC Des Moines on May 3 against Daniel Rodriguez, and told MMA Fighting he would gladly face Paul to defend the honor of one of the biggest athletes in Argentine history.
“It’s crazy, right?” Ponzinibbio said. “It all started because Logan Paul talked about Messi. Messi doesn’t even know whose Logan Paul, brother. He’s on a whole other level [laughs]. This guy went after Messi saying he wants a boxing match, but he’ll have to beat a lot of people before he gets to Messi — and I’ll be one of them. This is bullsh*t.”
Messi currently plays for Inter Miami FC after a historic run with Barcelona in Spain. The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner has also clinched the FIFA World Cup trophy for Argentina in 2022. Ponzinibbio is under contract with the UFC and likely won’t get the Paul match, so he offers to help train Chueko if he secures a deal to box Paul in the squared circle.
“Messi is the man,” Ponzinibbio said. “He’s an example to be followed. It’s impressive, brother. He keeps breaking records. It’s incredible how many years playing at the highest level and doesn’t lose focus. He had everything to lose focus, but he remains obsessed, keeps making history, and staying a humble man. He’s phenomenal. So [Paul] definitely has to beat a lot of people before he gets to our beloved ‘Pulga’, Leo Messi. And I’ll be one of them.”
Ponzinibbio’s next assignment in the octagon goes down May 3 in Des Moines, and he’s excited to keep the momentum going after a knockout victory over Carlston Harris on the first UFC card of the year in January.
“I needed that,” Ponzinibbio said of the win. “Many things were happening. Sometimes when it rains, it pours. I had injuries, losses I felt that I should have won, but I’m always looking ahead. The idea was to stay active this year, and we got the knockout already. I’m going after another good performance and another win now. I feel that I’m not where I should be yet. I know where I belong, but things are happening and holding me back. I need this win for myself, you know? I need to win.”
“It is what is it,” he said when asked what could have been of his career without out-of-the-cage setbacks, such as injuries and health issues. “Such is life. People die every day. We’re here, alive and healthy. Let’s keep going forward. Things have happened, yes. I was on a roll, No. 5 in the world, but then got pulled [from the ranking] due to inactivity, but others stay inactive but don’t leave. But it is what it is. Let’s play with the cards we’re dealt.
“I always fight with my heart, giving my best and trusting my potential. I don’t go there to win a fight, but to be among the best and become champion. I don’t doubt myself. I know the age is there, I know many things have happened, but I’m proving to myself I can continue at the highest level, continue following my dreams.”
Rodriguez is 18-5 in MMA with only one knockout defeat, a first-round stoppage to Ian Machado Garry in 2023, and one submission loss to Neil Magny a year prior. Ponzinibbio scored finishes in 23 of his 30 professional victories.
“He’s never fought someone with the power I have in my hands,” Ponzinibbio said. “If he gives me an opening, he’ll go down. And if he gets back up, I’ll hit him for 15 minutes. I’m in great shape and hungry for the victory, hungry to keep showing where I should be. I want to be among the best.
“It’s going to be a fun fight for the fans. He’s a striker with good boxing and has heavy hands. He’s tough, I’m not underestimating him, but I believe my boxing is better than his, my striking is better than his, and I’m a more complete and experienced. I’ll use my experience to do what I have to do to get my hands raised. I’m ready to finish this fight.”
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