LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 23: (L-R) Opponents Neil Magny and Michael Morales of Ecuador face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-ins at UFC APEX on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Welterweights Neil Magny and Michael Morales faced off on the main card of UFC Las Vegas 96 in a battle of veteran versus up-and-comer.
Morales, just 25 years old, was already 16-0 when the night began but was still primarily a promising fighter, while Magny held the UFC welterweight record for both wins and bouts.
Early in Saturday’s bout at UFC Apex, Morales worked the bottom with kicks, but in the second minute he was on the defensive, with Magny controlling the fight from behind with a body lock along the fence. A grinding pace was Magny’s style, allowing him to neutralize Morales’ power. Magny was determined, putting his weight on Morales and forcing him to one knee, but Morales spun out, landing a spinning elbow in the process, taking Magny down!
This allowed Michael Morales to get on top, but Magny recovered for the time being. Nevertheless, Morales soon had Magny down, transitioned to mount position and attacked hard with under a minute remaining. Magny defended himself and spun around, but gave way to his back and Morales landed a ton of ground-and-pound to stop the fight.
With the win, Morales improves to 17-0, with five of those wins coming inside the Octagon.
OFFICIAL RESULT: Michael Morales defeats Neil Magny by TKO, 1st round, 4:39
