UFC video recap: Chiesa wins one-sided decision against Magny

The main event of UFC Fight island 8 saw Michael Chiesa showcase his exceptional graplling to defeat Neil Magny.

In the main event of UFC Fight Island 8, Michael Chiesa outgrappled Neil Magny to win a unanimous decision and remain unbeaten at welterweight.

Both Chiesa and Magny were on three-fight winning streaks at 170-pounds heading into their fight.

What was the high point of the fight?

Magny started the fight on the front foot, but Chiesa eventually implemented his gameplan and secured a takedown midway through the round. “Maverick” attacked the arm of Magny and sought an arm-triangle choke, but Magny defended well. The second round was much the same as Chiesa took Magny down early in the round continuing to search for submissions and wearing Magny down.

Anytime it looked like the tide was about to turn, Chiesa neutralised Magny’s attack and took him to the canvas. It was clear Chiesa was slowing down in the championship rounds, but whenever the fight hit the mat Magny was unable to cope with the relentless pressure from Chiesa.

Where do they go from here?

The win should move Chiesa up a few spots in the welterweight rankings. In his post-fight interview, Chiesa called out the #1 contender Colby Covington for a fight. It might be too much of a jump, but it would be a good one to make next for Chiesa.

It’s the first loss for Magny in over two years, last tasting defeat to Santiago Ponzinibbio in November 2018. Maybe a fight with Geoff Neal, who Magny was supposed to fight last August, makes sense next.

Watch it now, later or never?

It wasn’t the most entertaining fight, but it was a dominant performance from Chiesa.