Magny’s experience shines in later rounds to defeat Neal
The UFC is back this Saturday, May 8 at the UFC Apex with a pair of strawweights moving up to flyweight for the UFC Vegas 26 main event.
“Karate Hottie” Michelle Waterson will meet Marina Rodriguez at 125-pounds, while Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will take on Alex Morono in the night’s co-main event.
Ultimate Fighter season 17 seasoned veteran, Neil Magny was on fire riding a three-fight win streak throughout 2020. In January, “The Haitian Sensation” had his win streak come to a halt after facing off against TUF season 15 winner, Michael Chiesa.
The two were paired to compete last year in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 8. However, Neal was forced to withdraw due to health concerns and Magny went onto defeat UFC legend, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler via decision.
Geoff “Handz of Steel” entered the UFC on a tear following his KO on DWCS in 2017. He holds impressive stoppages over Mike Perry, Niko Price and edged out Belal Muhammad on the scorecards before succumbing to his first promotional loss to Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in December.
With both fighters eager to get back in the win column, this rematch provided technical entertainment from the opening bell.
Here is how the welterweight bout between Neil Magny and Geoff Neal went down at UFC Vegas 26, including round-by-round scoring. For full results of the event, check them out right
Round 1: Geoff Neal commits to a hook to get this bout underway. Magny returns fire with a leg kick to a straight upstairs. Neal closes the distance, landing a hard right hand early. Neal pressures Magny and clinches him against the fence early. Magny secures a Thai clinch momentarily, looking to utilize his elbows and reversal. Neal backs off to begin an onslaught of punches to the head but Magny avoids any severe punishment as the two clinch against the fence once more. They trade positions back and forth with both fighters landing a short punch to the head. The fight gets back to the center of the cage and Magny takes his turn at offense, piecing together a combination. Neal closes the distance to clinch once again and Magny drags him to the canvas with a minute left in the opening round. Neal gets back to his feet and proceeds pressuring Magny inside, against the fence to close the round.
MyMMANews scores round 1 for Geoff Neal. 10-9
Round 2: Magny pieces his strikes together early, forcing Neal to chase “The Haitian Sensation”. Neal attempts to utilize similar tactics as the opening round with his pressure, but can’t find his mark as Magny smoothly utilizes angles to evade danger. Neal throws Magny to the canvas briefly and attempts to follow with hard punches. Magny avoids damage and gets back to his feet. Neal desperately fires his strikes as Magny switches levels to score a brief takedown. Neal gets back to his feet and the fighters exchange their respective punches to close the round against the fence.
MyMMANews scores round 2 for Neil Magny. 10-9
Round 3: Magny gets to work immediately, working his technical striking from the outside. Mixing it up between his pinpoint punches and hard leg kicks, Magny is making it nearly impossible for Neal to penetrate his polished offense as a longer fighter. With half of the round expired, Magny stays active behind his jab, keeping Neal at bay. Neal briefly explodes around the 2-minute mark, desperate to create an opening or take out the more experienced, Magny. With a minute left, Magny remains light on his feet, utilizing his reach to keep Neal on the end of his strikes. With the seconds closing, Magny turns up his output as he taunts Neal, anticipating the decision.
MyMMANews scores round 3 for Neil Magny. 10-9
Official result: Neil Magny defeats Geoff Neal via unanimous decision. (29-28), (29-28), (30-27)
