MMA Preview – Michael Chiesa vs Neil Magny at UFC Fight Island 8
MICHAEL CHIESA VS NEIL MAGNY FACTS
When is UFC Fight Island 8? Wednesday 20th January, 2021 - 15:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Island 8? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Island 8? No tickets are available as this event will take place with a limited number of spectators
What channel is UFC Fight Island 8 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Fight Island 8? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MICHAEL CHIESA VS NEIL MAGNY LOWDOWN
Michael Chiesa (17-4) is finally hitting his prime right now after moving up to his more natural weight class at welterweight. He went 7-4 in the UFC at lightweight but struggled with the cut which played a part in his last two submission losses to Kevin Lee and Anthony Pettis. This forced him to 170 lbs where he kicked off his campaign with a submission over Carlos Condit, a unanimous decision over Diego Sanchez and by far his biggest win to date, a unanimous decision over Rafael dos Anjos back in January.
He takes on Neil Magny (24-7) who is also in his prime. He really slipped down the pecking order a couple years ago after getting starched by Santiago Ponzinibbio and to make things worse, he failed a drugs test. However, he returned after serving his ban last year and made up for lost time with three huge wins. He earnt unanimous decisions against Li Jingliang, Rocco Martin and most recently Robbie Lawler in August.
MICHAEL CHIESA VS NEIL MAGNY PREDICTION
Magny’s resumé is more impressive although Chiesa dominated dos Anjos with his wrestling whereas Magny got mauled by the Brazilian. However, we know MMA maths does not add up and both fighters are improving with every fight.
Magny is the more well-rounded fighter as Chiesa usually sticks to his bread and butter which is his grappling. He is even big for welterweight but with the longest reach in the division, Magny will boast a familiar five-inch advantage.
They are not natural finishers so their gas tank’s will be crucial in earning the decision. They have both only been scheduled for five rounds once where Chiesa got submitted by Lee in the first round and Magny got knocked out by Ponzinibbio in the fourth. However, they both have great cardio and will be scrapping right up until the bell.
Magny has a clear advantage on the feet so the outcome will depend on his takedown defence which is 59%. Chiesa is going to shoot in for the takedown at the first opportunity and if he finds early success, he will hunt a submission while they are still dry.
If Magny can fend of the takedown/submission attempts for the first two rounds, the fight is his. Chiesa will expend a lot of energy and when he starts to tire, Magny will be able to keep the fight on the feet where he will pick him apart.
There will be a lot of clinch work here where Magny’s reach will aid him and he should be able to defend enough takedowns and create enough space to sway the judges with his effective damage on the feet.
Prediction: Magny via Decision
