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Neil Magny Seeking a Slice of Redemption at UFC 297

“There have been moments where complacency has got the best of me. That’s a trap I’m not going to allow myself to fall into again. I’m ready and prepared for this fight.”

Justin Barrasso

Neil Magny Seeking a Slice of Redemption at UFC 297
Neil Magny Seeking a Slice of Redemption at UFC 297 /

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Neil Magny Seeking Redemption at UFC 297

Neil Magny is ready to redeem himself.

Following a pitiful performance this past August against Ian Garry, Magny enters UFC 297 seeking redemption in a bout against Mike Malott.

“There have been moments where complacency has got the best of me,” admitted Magny. “That’s a trap I’m not going to allow myself to fall into again. I’m ready and prepared for this fight.”

Contents

  1. Jon Anik coming prepared to UFC 297
  2. UFC 297 features first undisputed middleweight title bout without Israel Adesanya since 2017
  3. The Pick ‘Em Section

There is plenty of hype surrounding Malott (10-1-1). The 32-year-old native of Ontario, Canada has won all three UFC bouts thus far, defeating Mickey Gall, Yohan Lainesse, and most recently, Adam Fugitt. He will fight in front of his native crowd in Toronto tomorrow, seeking the most significant victory of his UFC tenure.

Magny (28-11) has the most wins in UFC welterweight division history. The 36-year-old from Brooklyn, New York has been a staple for the UFC over the past 11 years, but he looked awful in the bout against Garry. The loss was painful as it followed a blitz of trash talk from Garry, who turned Magny’s words about disciplining his children.

“He did what he needed to do to get under my skin, but I can’t point the finger at him,” said Magny. “That doesn’t do me any favors. I’m making myself a victim if that’s the case. I said some things that could be misinterpreted, and I need to hold myself accountable. And that fight, that performance sucked. I can’t let that happen again, and that’s all about preparation.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC
Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Garry defeated him by unanimous decision this past August in a bout Magny took on short notice. But Magny has had a full training camp to prepare for Malott, and he is entering this bout healthy and ready to compete.

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come and what I’ve accomplished, but I’m not done yet,” said Magny. “I want to put together a win streak. A lot of that has to do with preparation.”

A win here keeps Magny in the mix as a top-15 ranked welterweight. Malott has not dealt with a veteran as savvy or versatile as Magny, making this a compelling bout.

“It’s a great matchup for me,” said Magny. “I’m definitely in the right place mentally. I’m fighting in his backyard, but I don’t care. I’ve put in the work to get the job done on Saturday night.”

Jon Anik coming prepared to UFC 297

Jon Anik is one of the best in the world at his craft.

The play-by-play man belongs on an elite list of the most skilled, and that includes any sport. His timing, delivery, and knowledge will be on display throughout UFC 297, where he will enhance every single bout on the card.

Anik’s preparation for these fights is a sight to behold.

He creates a notecard for every fighter on the card, researching every detail–major and minor–that will benefit listeners.

“Every fighter gets their own card and a new card for every fight, even if it’s their twentieth UFC fight,” said Anik. “It takes me about 30 minutes to lay one out at the beginning, and then I am constantly adding notes to them as the week goes on.”

Anik puts roughly an hour into each card. His value to the UFC is undeniable–the broadcasts are a highlight of every show, and Anik is adding value to the company every time he calls a fight.

UFC 297 features first undisputed middleweight title bout without Israel Adesanya since 2017

UFC 297 will not feature a middleweight title defense from Israel Adesanya.

For the first time since 2017, there will be an undisputed middleweight title bout without Adesanya. Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis had an opportunity to discuss the former champ at this week’s press conference, yet both offered insults instead of recognizing all Adesanya accomplished.

Adesanya is the most likely opponent for the winner of this fight. He will get his rematch against Strickland or meet du Plessis in a long-awaited bout. Either way, it will be good to have Adesanya back.

The future looks a lot like the past, as the next middleweight title fight is expected to include Adesanya.

The Pick ‘Em Section

UFC 297 middleweight title bout: Sean Strickland (c) vs. Dricus du Plessis

Pick: Dricus du Plessis

UFC 297 women’s bantamweight title bout: Raquel Pennington vs. Mayra Bueno Silva

Pick: Mayra Bueno Silva

UFC 297 welterweight bout: Neil Magny vs. Mike Malott

Pick: Neil Magny

UFC 297 middleweight bout: Chris Curtis vs. Marc-André Barriault

Pick: Marc-André Barriault

UFC 297 featherweight bout: Arnold Allen vs. Movsar Evloev

Pick: Arnold Allen

2023 record: 142-85

Last week: 2-2

2024 record: 2-2

Published
Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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