UFC Fight Island 8

What’s next Michael Chiesa after UFC Fight Island 8?

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Yesterday, Michael Chiesa (18-4) remained unbeaten at welterweight. In the main event of UFC Fight Island 8, Chiesa took on Neil Magny (24-8). Magny entered the contest on a three-fight win streak after a sensational 2020.

Both men ranked just inside the top ten of the UFC‘s welterweight division. Whoever won this fight was poised to make a run at a top five opponent in their next one. Originally, I thought Magny would have the advantage in a decision fight.

Magny has five-round experience while Chiesa has never gone past the third round. Combine that with the fact that Magny had an active 2020 while Chiesa recovered from injuries and I thought this was going to be Magny’s fight.

I was wrong about that one. At UFC Fight Island 8, Michael Chiesa delivered a fantastic performance that saw him win four of the five rounds on all three judges scorecards. Chiesa looked incredibly in the UFC main event yesterday.

I was really impressed with his ability to land shots on Magny while closing the distance. In addition to that, Chiesa also did a number on Magny in dominating the grappling exchanges. Michael Chiesa made a statement with his win and his callout yesterday after the fight.

What’s next after UFC Fight Island 8?

In his post-fight interview, Chiesa made a big callout of Colby Covington (16-2). The former interim UFC welterweight champion currently doesn’t have a fight lined up and Chiesa made it clear that he wants that fight.

Unfortunately for him, I don’t believe he’s getting that fight. The UFC has made it very clear that they are trying to book Covington against his rival and former friend, Jorge Masvidal (35-14).

With Covington not an option, the UFC has a couple of options in my opinion. In a few weeks, Kamaru Usman (17-1) is defending his welterweight title against Gilbert Burns (19-3). Depending on how that fight goes, I could see the promotion giving Chiesa the loser of that fight.

Another option could be Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (16-4-1). Wonderboy also doesn’t have a fight, but he’s dealing with some injuries and his timetable for a return is uncertain. Should he be able to go relatively soon, that would be another fun matchup for Chiesa.

What’s next for Neil Magny after having winning streak snapped at UFC Fight Island 8?

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There aren’t many welterweights in the UFC that had a better year in 2020 than Neil Magny (24-8). After having a lengthy layoff, Magny made his return to the octagon in 2020 and went a perfect 3-0.

Magny’s winning streak found him ranked ninth in the welterweight division. Yesterday at UFC Fight Island 8, Magny got the opportunity to take on the eighth ranked welterweight in the division in Michael Chiesa (18-4).

Chiesa was also riding a three-fight winning streak at welterweight. However, he hadn’t competed in almost a year due to some injuries. With Magny’s point style fighting and his 2020 activity level, I favored Magny in the matchup.

However, the fight didn’t go as I thought it would. I figured Magny would try to fight from distance a little more. However, the UFC main event mainly took place mainly in close quarters. In the grappling exchanges, Chiesa got the better of Magny throughout the fight.

In the third round, Magny finally started to pick it up. Just as you thought Magny would turn the tables and use his cardio advantage, Chiesa flipped the script and won the final two rounds at UFC Fight Island 8. Magny lost 49-46 on all three scorecards snapping his winning streak.

What’s next after UFC Fight Island 8?

As mentioned, Magny had a three-fight winning streak heading into yesterday. Had he been able to defeat Chiesa, he could’ve been looking at a top five opponent in his next fight inside the octagon. However, that didn’t happen.

So what should the UFC do with The Haitian Sensation? A fight that could make a lot of sense is a battle with Geoff Neal (13-3). Neal and Magny were originally supposed to fight in 2020, however, Neal had to pull out of their original matchup.

Neal just lost to Stephen Thompson so both men are in a very similar position. Both are coming off of losses and their ranked in similar spots in the UFC’s welterweight division. That’s the fight that makes the most sense to me.

Michael Chiesa beats Neil Magny at UFC Fight Island 8

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The UFC was back in action today for the eighth fight night from Fight Island. The card was geared toward the local time in Abu Dhabi thus the main card started at 12 PM ET here in the US.

In the main event of the evening we saw a welterweight contest between Neil Magny (24-7) and Michael Chiesa (17-4). The two top ten welterweights in the UFC were looking to take another step forward and both men carried in three-fight winning streaks.

Magny returned after a lengthy layoff to have an incredible 2020. He fought three times and picked up three victories. The Haitian Sensation was looking to get a signature win over Chiesa that would likely net him a top five opponent in his next fight.

Michael Chiesa was fighting for the first time in the UFC in nearly a year. After winning in January of 2020, Chiesa spent the majority of the year on the shelf due to leg injuries. However, he’s back now and looking to resume his welterweight run.

Once thought to be a dangerous lightweight contender, Chiesa has now become a force in the UFC‘s welterweight division. Chiesa stopped depleting himself to make 155 and he’s been unbeaten since the move up. Today, he was trying to move to 4-0 at 170 pounds.

UFC Fight Island 8 Recap

Round 1

The UFC Fight Island 8 main event kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Magny immediately started trying to work his jabs as the two men looked to begin. The two men briefly clinched, but nothing came of it.

Chiesa landed a nice front kick to the body to get his striking going. Magny was controlling the center as Chiesa was circling around looking for his openings. Chiesa seemed a bit out of range early and he was getting caught by Magny’s jab.

Two minutes in and Chiesa stepped in and tried to land a big straight left, but it didn’t phase Magny. After he briefly landed that left, he darted in again and landed a cleaner left hand. After that landed, Magny started pressuring, but Chiesa was able to get a takedown.

Chiesa was on top with two minutes to work. Magny tried to hit a reversal, but Chiesa was doing a really good job of controlling Magny. The UFC Fight Island 8 main event’s opening round closes and it was a good one for Michael Chiesa.

Round 2

The second round opened with Chiesa looking to work his jab. Magny established his range with a solid jab and body kick. Chiesa closed the distance and got a body lock which he tried to use to get a takedown. However, Magny did a great job of defending the takedown.

After getting his first few takedowns defended, Chiesa was finally able to get the takedown. Once on the ground, Magny tried to hit another switch which forced a scramble. Chiesa ended up on top, but Magny was able to work his way back up to his feet.

Magny then tried for his own takedown, but Chiesa ended up getting another takedown instead. Chiesa was slowly trying to advance his position, however, Magny was doing well at defending. Chiesa then landed a few really solid elbows.

Magny tried to work his way back up, but Chiesa kept him planted on the ground. Another solid elbow lands for Chiesa with 30 seconds left in the round. It’s 2-0 Chiesa after two in the UFC Fight Island 8 main event.

Round 3

The third round of the UFC main event started with pressure from Neil Magny. Chiesa opened the striking with a body kick, but Magny pushed forward with a few shots. Magny then forced Chiesa up against the fence and clinched.

Magny was then able to land a big takedown against the fence and get the back of Chiesa. Chiesa started trying to work his way back up, but Magny was leaning on him heavy. Chiesa was able to work his way up to his feet and get the fight separated.

Magny went right back to work with pressure and landed a good kick. Chiesa then forced Magny back with a clean left hand. Then Chiesa was able to push Magny against the fence. However, Magny reversed the position and was able to push Chiesa against the fence.

Both men reversed the position back and forth for about 30 seconds. Chiesa was able to land a takedown, but Magny immediately forced scramble. After some back and forth, Chiesa ended up in the mount, but he was too high and Magny got out.

Another scramble and Chiesa ended up back on top. Neil Magny was able to land some shots from the bottom and had a much better round. Despite ending the round on the bottom, I lean ever so slightly towards Magny. 2-1 Chiesa after three in the UFC main event. However, it could easily be 3-0.

Round 4

Magny seemed a little fresher as the fourth round started. He was bouncing on his feet while Chiesa was just circling around in the first thirty seconds. Chiesa then landed a very clean right hand and transitioned that into a takedown one minute in.

Chiesa kept trying to advance his position, but Magny was defending well. Magny used the fence to try and get back up to his feet, but he gave up his back in the process. Chiesa locked in the body-triangle as the two men went back to the ground.

Magny tried to roll to the top position, but Chiesa landed in the mount. Magny defended well and was able to get back up. Chiesa took his back against the fence again, however, Magny was able to break away.

Magny landed a couple of clean shots, but then he forced a clinch. Chiesa then reversed the position along the fence. Chiesa went for a takedown and Magny was able to lock in an inverted triangle choke. However, Chiesa defended well as the round came to a close. 3-1 Chiesa after four in the UFC main event.

Round 5

Entering the final round of UFC Fight Island 8, Neil Magny needed a finish in this one. Magny started the round with heavy pressure as Chiesa circled around the outside. No strikes were thrown by either man in the first 30 seconds.

Chiesa then started the striking with a nice exchanged that connected on Magny. A minute into the round and Magny hasn’t thrown anything of significance. He finally was pushed forward with shots but Chiesa was able to get another body lock.

Magny was able to work his way to Chiesa’s back and pulled Chiesa down. However, Chiesa scrambled immediately and ended up on top. Magny tried to work his way up, but ended up giving up his back. To defend, he turned into Chiesa and held him in half guard.

A minute left in the round and Magny doesn’t seem to be fighting with any urgency. Magny tried to escape a couple of times in the final 30 seconds, but he gave up the mount. The final bell sounds and this one will be a clear win for Chiesa. I have it 4-1, but it could easily be 5-0.

Michael Chiesa def. Neil Magny by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

UFC Fight Island 8 Preview: Michael Chiesa – Neil Magny

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Tomorrow, the UFC is hosting a rare afternoon card for their eighth fight night on Fight Island. The card starts at 12 PM ET and it is being headlined by a welterweight contest between Michael Chiesa (17-4) and Neil Magny (24-7).

Michael Chiesa is making his return after having nearly a year off. Chiesa spent the majority of 2020 dealing with some leg injuries, however, he’s back to 100% and seems focused on furthering his run at welterweight.

At one point, Chiesa looked like he was going to be a top contender in the UFC‘s lightweight division. However, as his career progressed, the weight cuts were really hindering his performances. As a result, he moved up to welterweight.

Since moving up to 170 pounds, Chiesa is 3-0. He looks stronger and faster at 170 pounds. His run has him ranked eighth in the welterweight division and tomorrow is a big opportunity for Chiesa to prove how good he is at welterweight.

Standing across from Chiesa at UFC Fight Island 8 is Neil Magny. Unlike Chiesa, Magny was extremely active in 2020. The Haitian Sensation fought three times and won all three fights in 2020. Magny’s last fight came against the former welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler.

In 2020, Magny really showed off all of his strengths. He showed good wrestling defense and he showed good offensive wrestling. Magny also showed off some decent striking in his three decision wins.

UFC Fight Island 8

Michael Chiesa already alluded to this, but I will restate this about the main event; this is not going to be exciting. If you’re wanting to see another Holloway – Kattar main event, you’re going to be disappointed with UFC Fight Island 8.

However, if you’re someone who enjoys a grappling chess match, this is the fight for you. The fight between Chiesa and Magny to me is going to come down to a battle of wills and a battle of position.

For Chiesa, I think he’s going to have to get this fight to the ground and get a submission to win this fight. Especially coming off of a year-long layoff, I’m not sure he can keep up with the pace of Magny for five rounds.

On the flip side, for Magny to win at UFC Fight Island 8, he’s going to have to use all of his weapons to tire Chiesa. I’m expecting to see a lot of wrestling defense and a lot of clinch work along the fence from Neil Magny.

Magny is not that great off of his back so if Chiesa can get him down, I believe he can submit him. However, I just like Neil Magny in this matchup. I expect Chiesa to have his moment, but for the most part be neutralized over five rounds and I think Magny will score more points to get the decision.

Prediction: Neil Magny by Unanimous Decision

Did the UFC make a mistake bumping Leon Edwards from UFC Fight Island 8?

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Leon Edwards

UFC Fight Island 8 was supposed to feature the much anticipated welterweight matchup between Leon Edwards (18-3) and Khamzat Chimaev (9-0). While their rankings wouldn’t suggest it, it was the perfect fight for both men.

Edwards is ranked third while Chimaev is ranked 15th. However, Chimaev has become a massive star and Edwards need to get the rub from someone with so much hype. In my opinion, it would have been good either way for the UFC.

The fight was originally supposed to take place in December, but it was scrapped after Edwards tested positive for COVID. They rescheduled for Fight Island 8, but that was cancelled after Chimaev couldn’t train properly after he came down with COVID.

The UFC kicked the tires with leaving Edwards on the card. “Rocky” hasn’t fought since July of 2019. He’s riding a eight-fight winning streak and he’s clearly one of the best fighters in the world.

At this point, Edwards just needs to get back in the octagon. However, the UFC decided to take him off the card and try to book the Chimaev fight a third time. While I love that matchup, did the promotion make a mistake?

Did the UFC make a mistake?

The UFC‘s reasoning for trying to rebook the fight is simply they feel it’s a fight that everyone wants to see. Another thing that goes into it is the fight that the promotion has had a helluva time booking either man for a fight.

It seemed nobody wanted to fight either Chimaev or Edwards outside of Neil Magny (24-7). Magny offered to face Chimaev after Edwards fell out then he said he would fight Edwards in the main event of UFC Fight Island 8.

Of course, Magny is already scheduled to take on Michael Chiesa (17-4). Edwards told the promotion that he would fight either Chiesa or Magny if it meant that he could stay on the card since he hasn’t fought in so long.

In the end, the UFC said no. They want to keep the potential matchup with Chimaev together. However, while I definitely see their reasoning, I can’t say that I agree with it. I think they should have kept Edwards on the card.

Magny and Chiesa is now the main event and Chiesa is already promising it’s not going to be exciting. Not really want you want in your second main event of the year. The slot is great for both men, but it’s not a fight that promises action.

More importantly, Leon Edwards just needs to fight. We don’t know when Chimaev will be ready, but Edwards is pushing two years without a fight in the UFC. I know you don’t want to lose the Chimaev fight, but I think it was a mistake to bump Edwards from that slot next Wednesday.

Chiesa – Magny to headline UFC Fight Island 8; Chimaev – Edwards pushed back again

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UFC Fight Island 8 has a new main event. Dana White told The Schmo last night that the promotion was moving forward with Michael Chiesa (17-4) and Neil Magny (24-7) as the main event of UFC Fight Island 8.

The fight between the top ten UFC welterweights was originally supposed to be the co-main event of the evening. However, after Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) had to pull out of the main event due to COVID, Chiesa and Magny get promoted.

White said in the interview that both of these guys deserve this spot. This will be the second UFC headliner for both Magny and Chiesa. Magny headlined a card with Kelvin Gastelum in 2015 while Chiesa headlined a card with Kevin Lee in 2017.

Chiesa has looked really good since moving up to the welterweight division. The former UFC lightweight had lost two in a row before making the jump to 170. Since doing that, he’s riding a three-fight winning streak.

Neil Magny made his UFC return in 2020 after serving a suspension. Magny went 3-0 this year and capped off his 2020 with a victory over former UFC welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler.

UFC will keep Chimaev – Edwards

After Khamzat Chimaev fell out of the UFC Fight Island 8 main event, Leon Edwards (18-3) made it clear that he still wanted to fight on January 20th. The promotion looked into options to accommodate Edwards.

However, ultimately the promotion decided to keep the Chimaev – Edwards fight together. White also told The Schmo that the UFC will keep the Edwards – Chimaev fight and it will be rebooked in early 2021.

Chimaev had COVID-19 in early December. Despite testing negative now, he’s still dealing with some of the effects. A doctor told him that he shouldn’t train until early January due to the impact on his lungs according to White.

The UFC President said there is no date for the matchup just yet. You have to really feel for Leon Edwards who missed all of 2020 due to the pandemic and other opportunities falling through. His last fight came in July of 2019.

BREAKING: UFC headliner between Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards is off (Report)

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Well, this is not the UFC news that anyone wanted to hear this morning. Currently being reported by RT Sport, a Russian media outlet, the much anticipated Fight Island headliner between Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) and Leon Edwards (18-3) is off again.

UFC officials have not yet confirmed this news. However, RT Sport says that they have confirmed with a source close to the situation after initial reports out of Sweden. This is the second time that this welterweight fight has fallen through.

Originally, UFC Vegas 17 was supposed to be headlined by Chimaev and Edwards. However, Edwards came down with COVID-19 and the fight had to be pushed back. The UFC officially announced the fight last week.

However, it now appears that the promotion will have to switch gears. We should all pause until the news is confirmed by UFC officials, but this is a massive blow to Dana White’s proposed International Fight Week.

Last week the UFC finalized a fight between Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny for the same card. The idea was that if the main event fell through, one of those guys could potentially step in. However, there’s no word yet as to why the fight is off.

What will the UFC do?

MMA Fighting has confirmed that Khamzat Chimaev had to pull out of the UFC Fight Island 8 main event. At this time there is no word on why Chimaev pulled out, but he is the one this time who has had to pull out.

If Leon Edwards is still ready to fight, I think the UFC should see if he’d be willing to fight Chiesa or Magny. Edwards desperately needs to get back into the cage and fight after missing all of 2020.

At this time, there is no word on why Chimaev has had to pull out of the main event. That being said, we don’t know how long Chimaev will be on the shelf. If it’s a short-term thing, the UFC could try to book the Chimaev – Edwards fight for the third time.

This situation is still developing and we will continue to monitor and update throughout the day.