Carlston Harris relishes UFC return vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio after involuntary time off

LAS VEGAS – Carlston Harris fought only once in 2024, which was his only fight in the past 16 months, and he’s not completely sure why.

“I don’t know myself,” Harris said Wednesday at UFC Fight Night 249 media day. “I wanted to fight more, but I don’t know.”

Thankfully for Harris, the wait is over. On Saturday, he’ll face gritty veteran Santiago Ponzinnibio in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 249 at the UFC Apex. When the promotion approached Harris with the opportunity, the answer was an easy and automatic yes.

“I never refuse a fight,” Harris said. “I mean, for me, it’s just another working day, man. It don’t matter who they offer me. I will always accept. If I’m not injured, I will always accept a challenge, any challenge.”

This particular challenge is one he relishes. While Ponzinibbio (29-8 MMA, 11-7 UFC) hasn’t been the same since a serious health scare in 2020, going 2-5 since then, Harris (19-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) said he’s expecting a heck of a fight.

“I’m expecting the best Santiago ever, you know?” Harris said. “His losses, you have to look at the names that he fought. It don’t mean nothing, man. He’s still dangerous.”

Fireworks could be in store for viewers Saturday night.

“When you step in the cage, you have to give the fans what they want to see, man,” Harris said. “I mean, Santiago has a very aggressive style like myself. It’s a good matchup for the fans.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 249.