Neil Magny steps into the Octagon this Saturday, looking to break his two-fight losing streak against fellow welterweight veteran Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. The August 2 UFC Fight Night matchup in Las Vegas pits the 37-year-old American against his 38-year-old Brazilian counterpart, with both fighters eager to return to winning ways.
Magny enters this contest following a difficult stretch in his career. The "Haitian Sensation" has suffered consecutive first-round knockout losses to younger opponents Carlos Prates and Michael Morales – a concerning pattern for a fighter once known for his durability.
Zaleski dos Santos, meanwhile, isn't faring much better. The Brazilian is coming off a finish loss to Chidi Njokuani in March, making this matchup something of a crossroads fight for both aging warriors.
Interestingly, oddsmakers have installed Zaleski dos Santos as the -170 favorite, with Magny sitting as the +135 underdog. The Brazilian's black belt in Jiu-Jitsu combined with his explosive striking and capoeira style appears to give him the edge on paper.
Worth noting is how Magny's once-reliable chin has become increasingly vulnerable in recent years. Though he showed tremendous heart in his last victory over Mike Malott – rallying for a third-round knockout – the repeated stoppage losses raise questions about his ability to absorb punishment at this stage of his career.
Despite the finishing potential on both sides, analysts expect this contest to go deep. Magny's renowned cardio and tactical approach, paired with Zaleski dos Santos's own solid gas tank (demonstrated in his three-round war with Benoit Saint Denis), suggest fans might be in for a lengthy battle.
Will Magny find a way to neutralize Zaleski dos Santos's striking advantages through clinch work and wrestling? Or will the Brazilian's explosiveness prove too much for the American veteran? Saturday night in Vegas should provide those answers.
