Two established figures in the UFC welterweight division, Neil Magny and Elizeu Zaleski, are reportedly set to meet inside the octagon on August 2nd. The bout is expected to take place at the UFC APEX as part of the UFC Vegas 108 fight night card.
For Neil Magny, this booking represents another quick turnaround attempt after his planned July 19th clash against Gunnar Nelson at UFC 318 was canceled. Magny, often lauded as one of the most active and durable fighters on the roster, holds the distinction of being the winningest fighter in UFC welterweight history. His professional record stands at 29-13. However, even for a veteran known for his remarkable consistency, recent outings have proven challenging. Magny is currently navigating a two-fight losing streak, having dropped decisions to promising contenders Michael Morales and Carlos Prates. As he approaches his 38th birthday the day after this scheduled fight, a victory is critical to prevent an uncharacteristic three-fight skid. His resume, of course, includes impressive past triumphs over former UFC champions like Robbie Lawler, Carlos Condit, and Johny Hendricks, underscoring his long tenure at the division`s sharp end.
Across the octagon stands Elizeu Zaleski, known for his exciting and dynamic striking style. Holding a record of 25-9-1, Zaleski is also seeking to regain traction. In his most recent appearance, he suffered a TKO defeat to Chidi Njokuani. This result contributed to a recent run of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss over his last three bouts, which included a draw against Rinat Fakhretdinov and a notable win over Abubakar Nurmagomedov. Zaleski “Capoeira” brings a dangerous skill set to the cage, but like Magny, needs a decisive win to solidify his standing and push towards the divisional rankings once again.
This matchup at UFC Vegas 108 presents a compelling narrative: two seasoned professionals, each facing recent adversity, stepping in to test where they currently stand. For Magny, it’s about proving that age is merely a number and that his veteran savvy can overcome younger or more explosive opponents. For Zaleski, it’s an opportunity to bounce back from a loss and show he can consistently defeat high-level competition. It`s a crossroads fight where the outcome will significantly impact the immediate future for both men in the always competitive welterweight landscape.
The UFC Vegas 108 card is expected to be headlined by a flyweight contest between Amir Albazi and Tatsuro Taira and will air live on ESPN+.
