Yahoo Sports UFC Fight Night 74 Results: Neil Magny Decisions Erick Silva in Co-Main Event
Accepting a fight on short notice is rewarded by fight promotions and respected by the fans. But it’s a risky move for an athlete; the decision can make or break a fighter’s career.
Dangerous Brazilian welterweight Erick Silva was originally scheduled to face Rick Story at UFC Fight Night 74 on Saturday, but an injury eleven days ago forced Story out of the bout. Fifteenth-ranked Neil Magny stepped in on short notice as Silva’s new opponent.
Magny last fought on Aug. 1, 22 days ago, losing to sixth-ranked Demian Maia by submission at UFC 190. The decision to accept the fight with Silva proved to be a good one.
Magny used his length to keep Silva on his heels most of the fight. He set up his offense behind his jab and moved just out of reach of Silva’s counter attacks.
The opening round saw back-and-forth action. Magny secured an early takedown, but Silva scrambled back to his feet and put Magny on his back. As he advanced his position to side control, Magny powered his way free. The round ended with Magny taking Silva down and taking the Brazilian’s back. He flattened Silva out and delivered right hands.
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Magny’s jab became a real factor in the second frame. By the final round, Silva was in desperation mode. Sensing that he needed a finish to win, Silva came out aggressive in the final round but was unable to mount an effective offense. After fifteen minutes of fighting, the judges scored the fight for Magny by split decision.
“It feels good,” Magny said following the win. “I’m still young in my career and every opportunity that I get to step in the cage is a blessing and helps me grow as a person and a fighter so I want to take full advantage of it all.”
The bout was Magny’s fourth octagon appearance this year and his ninth in the last eighteen months. The win gets him back in the winning column after having a seven-fight winning streak snapped in his previous outing.
The 28-year-old didn't call out any potential opponent in his post-fight interview. Instead, he plans to return to the gym and wait for UFC matchmaker Joe Silva to give him a call with a match-up in mind.
“It’s right back to the gym and wait by my phone again,” he said.
