- George Chung
- Jan 10
- 2 min read
After an eight-month hiatus, Carlston Harris is stepping back into the Octagon, hungrier than ever to rewrite his narrative and start 2025 with a bang. The Guyanese welterweight fighter last fought in May 2024, a bout that ended in disappointment as Khaos Williams scored a brutal first-round knockout. But Harris isn’t dwelling on the past—instead, he’s focused on a fresh start, armed with improved skills and a burning desire to prove himself.
“I feel great,” Harris said ahead of his highly anticipated showdown with Santiago Ponzinibbio. “It’s been eight months. That’s a long time, but I’ve used it wisely—working hard in the gym, growing as a fighter, and adding new tools to my arsenal.”
Harris won’t have an easy task ahead of him. His opponent, Santiago Ponzinibbio, a staple of the welterweight division with a fan-friendly, aggressive style, is desperate to snap a two-fight losing streak. Both men have built reputations for being finishers, boasting a combined total of 33 finishes and a record of never being submitted in their professional careers. Fireworks are almost guaranteed.
“This fight won’t go the distance if I can help it,” Harris said with quiet confidence. “I always look for the finish—whether it’s a knockout or submission. I don’t like leaving the decision in the hands of the judges.”
While Harris respects the danger Ponzinibbio brings—especially the relentless pressure and knockout power of the "Argentine Dagger"—he believes his preparation will make the difference. “He’s got a very aggressive style, but we’ve worked on handling that pressure. I have a few surprises I’m eager to show everyone.”
At 37 years old, Harris knows time isn’t on his side, and a victory over Ponzinibbio could be the start of something special. Two Performance of the Night bonuses already decorate his career, but Harris is itching for more accolades. A dominant win would propel him back into the conversation in the crowded welterweight division and, as he puts it, “rewrite his story.”
“When you win, doors open. You get more fights, more chances to move up, and that’s what I want—momentum to have a big 2025,” Harris said. “It all starts with this fight.”
Catch Carlston Harris vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas on January 11, 2025. With two aggressive finishers ready to go to war, this is one fight fans won’t want to miss. Prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, followed by the main card live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Will Harris make good on his promise to start 2025 with a statement win? Tune in to find out!
