Ninth-ranked welterweight, Neil Magny (25-9), is set to take on unranked Max Griffin (18-8) at UFC on
Both men employ a highly-similar style and each is looking to continue their recent success in the octagon. The stylistic matchup being quite similar mixed with each being successful veterans of the sports should make for a highly-technical and entertaining fight.
Betting Odds
Neil Magny, having been a top 10 ranked fighter for several years, is a -190 favorite against the challenger, Max Griffin.
- Magny: -240
- Griffin: +195
Breakdown
Magny, fighting out of Team Elevation, employs a similar style of punching as his teammate, the welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman. Specifically, Magny has adopted what is coined “the Trevor Wittman jab” into his arsenal of attacks, and this lead jab is quite effective given the strike a long-range weapon best employed by a fighter having the longer reach, which Magny often has. Throwing a constant jab from range is indicative of what makes him such a difficult fighter to fight on the feet, that is, he understands how to take advantage of distance while also out-landing his opponent. This combination of constantly hitting his opponent while negating severe damage of counterattacks has proved effective for Magny, as evident in his most recent fight, a victory over fellow ranked power-puncher, Geoff Neal. This strategy of outstriking his opponent is accompanied by having a strong wrestling attack which makes him a challenging fighter to beat. Add in truly elite cardio, and Magny is a legitimate top-ranked fighter who often goes under the radar when discussing the best fighters of the welterweight division.
Griffin is perhaps the closest resemblance to Neil Magny in the UFC. Stylistically, Griffin employs movement and pepper-striking output on the feet to keep his opponent at a safe distance. The difference, in terms of range management, is that rather than throwing an effective jab, Griffin elects to land solid outside calf kicks against his opponent. These calf kicks landed well in his last fight, but, Griffin elected to abandon the range-management strike as the fight progressed which potentially displays less than ideal fight IQ. This fear is perhaps the only attribute that is below average for Griffin, as he, similar to Magny, has good wrestling that is most effective when he chains it together with high-output striking. The well-rounded, technical attributes as a fighter, have allowed Griffin to have recent success in the octagon, but, the fighters that he has recently beat is below the skill level of Magny. So, the question will be is if his style and attacks can surpass the highly-similar and higher-ranked Magny.
Prediction
Recently, I have had great success in backing both Magny and Griffin in their recent bouts. This recent success, accompanied by each having a long track record inside the UFC, enables a confident prediction in this matchup. On the feet, both men will likely find success against the other – Magny with the hands and Griffin with the calf kick. On the mat, Mangy’s technique mixed with elite cardio will enable him to get the better of the grappling exchanges and control Griffin. Ultimately, I believe Magny is the more battle-tested and sharper fighter in the octagon, as such, I am confidently backing him in his matchup.
Bet: Magny by Decision