MMA Preview – Neil Magny vs Mike Malott at UFC 297
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NEIL MAGNY VS MIKE MALOTT FACTS
When is UFC 297? Sunday 21st January, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 297? Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 297? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 297
What channel is UFC 297 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 297? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
NEIL MAGNY VS MIKE MALOTT LOWDOWN
Neil Magny’s (28-11) ceiling is clear to see now after 31 fights in the UFC. He has collected a plethora of welterweight records, but he could not get past the top 170 pounders. He is 2-3 in his last five getting submitted by Shavkat Rakhmonov (2022) and Gilbert Burns (2023) sandwiching a submission win over Daniel Rodriguez (2022). He then earnt a split decision over Philip Rowe (2023) but is now coming off a unanimous decision to Ian Garry who completely outclassed him on the feet.
The next up and comer knocking at the gate is Mike Malott (10-1-1). Before arriving to the UFC, his only loss was a TKO to Hakeem Dawodu (2014) all the way down at featherweight. Since then, he has finished his way into the UFC including a submission on the Contender Series. He is now flying in the big time, TKOing Mickey Gall (2022) at UFC 273 and submitting Yohan Lainesse (2023) and Adam Fugitt (2023) at UFC 289.
NEIL MAGNY VS MIKE MALOTT PREDICTION
Magny is standing in front of the welterweight gate with another savage hoping to rip through it. Malott is 32 years old but young in his MMA career and this is the perfect test for him.
Magny is as experienced as it gets with a huge gas tank who will keep pressing forward. That said, he struggles against elite grapplers and stronger strikers. The Canadian is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but he will try and get this done with his striking.
He is extremely powerful and hits hard with every limb. If his takedown defence holds up, we can see this looking similar to the Garry fight. Malott’s striking is not quite on Garry’s level, but he has the power to put the veteran away.
If Magny can utilize his seven-inch reach advantage by staying out of Malott’s range and timing his takedowns, he can earn a much-needed win. However, Malott knows exactly how to prepare and is only getting better whereas Magny is slowing down.
This is Malott’s toughest test on paper, but with the home fans behind him, we expect him to hurt Magny on the feet and seal the deal with a knockout or submission.
Prediction: Malott via Submission
