The ever-present force in the UFC welterweight division, Neil Magny, is set to return to the octagon. Facing him on August 2nd at UFC Vegas 108 will be the dynamic Brazilian, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. This clash represents a crucial juncture for both veterans navigating the treacherous landscape of 170 pounds, each aiming to steer their careers back onto a winning track.
Neil Magny (29-13), a name synonymous with durability and activity, stands as the winningest fighter in the UFC welterweight division`s history. Yet, even the most enduring figures face rough patches. Magny is currently on an unfamiliar two-fight skid, having dropped bouts to prospects Michael Morales and Carlos Prates. Approaching his 38th birthday just after the fight date, the “Haitian Sensation” is undoubtedly driven to demonstrate he remains a formidable contender, not merely a gatekeeper for rising talent. His extensive resume, featuring victories over former champions like Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit, speaks volumes about his capabilities at his best. His previous booking against Gunnar Nelson falling through only heightens the anticipation for this rescheduled return.
On the other side of the cage is Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25-9-1). Known for his exciting “Capoeira”-inspired striking, Zaleski “Capoeira” finds himself in a similar situation, looking to rebound from a recent setback – a TKO loss to Chidi Njokuani in March. While he secured a win against Zach Scroggin prior to that, his recent form has seen a mixed 1-2 run within the octagon, including a hard-fought majority draw against the tough Rinat Fakhretdinov. Before this period, Zaleski had built impressive momentum with wins over notable names such as Benoit Saint-Denis and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. This fight against Magny offers Zaleski a significant opportunity to reassert himself against a widely recognized and highly-ranked divisional cornerstone.
This scheduled bout at the UFC APEX carries significant weight for both competitors. For Magny, it`s about proving he can still turn back dangerous threats and remain a factor in the top echelon of the division, preventing a third consecutive loss which is a rare occurrence for the seasoned pro. For Zaleski, it`s a chance to score a crucial win over a future Hall of Famer in terms of activity and longevity, building momentum after a period of inconsistent results and reminding everyone of the explosive power he possesses.
It`s a classic scenario: the incredibly durable veteran testing the dynamic fighter aiming to climb the ranks by taking out a big name. The fight is slated for the UFC Vegas 108 card, which will be headlined by a compelling flyweight contest between Amir Albazi and Tatsuro Taira. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. As August 2nd approaches, the welterweight division watches closely. The outcome of the Magny vs. Zaleski showdown will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of both men in a division packed with talent. Expect a tactical battle where experience clashes with explosive potential in a high-stakes dance inside the smaller UFC APEX cage.
