Santiago Ponzinibbio explains why he never turns down UFC fights

Santiago Ponzinibbio does not need the money anymore, but he keeps saying yes to every fight the UFC puts in front of him.

The 39-year-old welterweight, who meets Sam Patterson at UFC Abu Dhabi this weekend, told reporters he is financially comfortable enough to walk away whenever he wants. Instead, the Argentine veteran keeps stepping up because he loves the grind. "It's what I have in my blood," Ponzinibbio said, per Sherdog. "It's my instinct. I love to fight."

Ponzinibbio on accepting every UFC matchup

Ponzinibbio acknowledged that some fighters at his stage decline bouts with little upside. He does the opposite. "I can say, 'No, I don't want this fight because there's nothing to gain.' But no, I take every fight," he said. "I always take the fight the company gives me."

The matchup with Patterson marks Ponzinibbio's 21st UFC appearance, a run that spans more than a decade at welterweight. He has dropped three of his last four, most recently a stoppage loss to Daniel Rodriguez. Patterson is coming off a decision defeat against Michael Page that ended a four-fight first-round finish streak.

UFC Abu Dhabi takes place this Saturday at Etihad Arena.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Why Santiago Ponzinibbio refuses to turn down UFC fights