The UFC is lining up a compelling clash for its August 2nd event at the APEX facility in Las Vegas, pitting seasoned veteran Neil Magny against Brazil`s dynamic striker, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. This welterweight bout, confirmed by multiple sources, adds a significant matchup to the UFC Vegas 108 card.
Neil Magny (29-13) holds a unique, albeit sometimes overlooked, place in the welterweight division as its winningest fighter. His longevity and consistency in the Octagon are remarkable, boasting 22 victories across 34 appearances since 2012. However, even the most enduring veterans face periods of challenge. Magny is currently navigating a two-fight losing streak, having recently fallen to rising prospects Michael Morales and Carlos Prates. At 38 years old (he`ll celebrate his 38th birthday just a day after the fight – because nothing says “happy birthday” like stepping into a cage), Magny is looking to leverage his extensive experience and technical prowess to halt this slide. His past wins over former champions like Robbie Lawler, Carlos Condit, and Johny Hendricks serve as a stark reminder of the caliber of fighter he is when everything clicks. For the “Haitian Sensation,” this fight is less about adding another number to his record and more about reasserting his position and demonstrating that the old guard still has plenty of fight left.
Across the Octagon stands Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25-9-1). Known for his explosive striking and “Capoeira” flair, Zaleski is also seeking redemption after a TKO loss to Chidi Njokuani earlier this year. His recent form has shown a slight dip, marked by a majority draw against Rinat Fakhretdinov in 2023 and a subsequent 1-2 record in his last three outings. This represents a patch of turbulence after a solid run that included impressive wins over tough opponents like Benoit Saint-Denis and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. For “Capoeira,” this bout against a highly respected veteran like Magny presents a crucial opportunity to regain momentum, put the recent setback behind him, and add a high-profile name to his win column, proving he belongs firmly in the conversation at 170 pounds.
Scheduled as part of UFC Vegas 108, an event currently headlined by flyweights Amir Albazi and Tatsuro Taira, this welterweight contest carries significant weight for both competitors` career trajectories. For Magny, it`s a critical test of his ability to bounce back and continue competing against dangerous opposition as he approaches his late 30s. For Zaleski, it`s a chance to demonstrate that his recent performance was an anomaly and that he`s ready to make another run towards the division`s top ranks. Expect a technically intriguing encounter where Magny`s veteran cage intelligence clashes with Zaleski`s dynamic offensive capabilities. The stakes are clear: someone`s path is about to change direction, and neither fighter can afford to stumble.
