Odds: Brahimaj (-112), Magny (-108)
Neil
Magny persists. It has now been a decade since Magny went on
his career-making run, moving from the fringes of the UFC roster to
the outskirts of the welterweight title picture with 10 wins in 11
fights, all packed into a stretch of just two and a half years.
Many opponents viewed Magny as a stepping stone, somewhat
reasonably considering his success to be a result of the quantity
rather than the quality of his victories. However, he turned back
prospect after prospect with a frustrating bag of tricks. He used
his reach to peck at opponents from a distance and attempted to
lure them into the clinch, where he consistently bent but did not
break. That exhausted his opponents and allowed him to pour on
offense for the victory.
Magny eventually settled in as a gatekeeper to the elite rather
than becoming one of the elite himself. Opponents who could
dominate him either on the feet or in the clinch could shred his
approach rather easily. However, even as he nears 40, it still
takes a top-tier opponent to put Magny away.
His durability is not quite what it once was, but his recent
victories include rising contender Mike Malott
and resurgent veteran Jake
Matthews. After getting run through by Yaroslav
Amosov, who now looks like a future title contender, Magny
takes a step back against Ramiz
Brahimaj, who has a chance to secure the biggest win of his
career.
The start of Brahimaj’s UFC career was somewhat rocky. Life as a
fairly one-dimensional wrestler and grappler was not overly kind,
but even more concerning was a string of severe injuries and
medical issues that threatened his career.
Brahimaj has seemingly found his footing over the last two years,
staying active and rounding out his game enough to be taken
seriously. However, his recent loss to Punahele
Soriano served as a reminder that he has a clear physical
ceiling.
Brahimaj is a sufficiently talented grappler that there is a chance
he could find a submission with an aggressive and focused approach.
However, he seems like the type of opponent who can still fall into
the Magny trap, getting stuck at range on the feet and tiring
himself while trying to secure a takedown. The pick is Magny via
decision.
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Njokuani vs. Alvarez
Turner vs. Fernandes
Johnson vs. McConico
Luque vs. Gore
Tobias vs. Fernando
Magny vs. Brahimaj
Wells vs. Orolbai