While there was only one winner at UFC on ESPN 33, both Neil Magny and Max Griffin proved something Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
In a welterweight bout in the middle of the event’s main card at Nationwide Arena, Magny (26-8 MMA, 19-7 UFC) defeated Griffin (18-9 MMA, 6-7 UFC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Although he took a step up in name recognition and contender-ship, Griffin showed he belonged from the opening bell. In Round 1, he turned in arguably one of the strongest rounds of his career, catalyzed by a moment in which he stunned and dropped Magny.
💥 @MaxPainGriffin lands a HEAVY strike in the first#UFCColumbus live on @ESPN pic.twitter.com/xzLR0ENdcx
— UFC (@ufc) March 26, 2022
Magny hung tough and survived until the end-of-round horn. Although he absorbed a lot of damage in the opening five minutes, Magny showed veteran savvy when he rebounded for a competitive Round 2. Griffin also had his moments, making it a closer round to score.
In Round 3, Magny dominated Griffin along the fence. Griffin, appearing to slow, tried his best to shove Magny off – but struggled to do so. In the final minute, Magny elevated and slammed Griffin in unusual fashion, similar to that of a professional wrestling piledriver.
👏 @NeilMagny ties legend GSP for most wins in UFC welterweight history with 19#UFCColumbus live on @ESPN pic.twitter.com/wtOa2ffdU0
— UFC (@ufc) March 27, 2022
With the win, Magny extended a standalone victory into a streak. Following a five-round unanimous decision loss to Michael Chiesa in January 2021, Magny beat Geoff Neal by unanimous decision in May. He has now won five of his past six.
Griffin had a three-fight winning streak snapped. Entering UFC on ESPN 33, Griffin won consecutive bouts against Ramiz Brahimaj, Kenan Song and Carlos Condit. Saturday’s defeat was his first since March 2020.
- Neil Magny def. Max Griffin via via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Marc Diakiese def. Viacheslav Borshchev via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Sara McMann def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Chris Gutierrez def. Danaa Batgerel via TKO (spinning back fist, punches) – Round 2, 2:34
- Aliaskhab Khizriev def. Denis Tiuliulin via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:58
- Manon Fiorot def. Jennifer Maia via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Matheus Nicolau def. David Dvorak via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Luis Saldana def. Bruno Souza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
