MMA Match Preview: Neil Magny (29-14) vs. Elizeu Zaleski (25-9-1)

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Event: UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Division: Welterweight (170 lbs)
Broadcast: ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass
Bout Placement: Main Card

Fight Overview

Two seasoned welterweight veterans meet in a pivotal crossroads bout as Neil “The Haitian Sensation” Magny (29-14) takes on Brazil’s Elizeu “Capoeira” Zaleski dos Santos (25-9-1). With both fighters coming off recent knockout losses, this matchup is about survival and relevance in a stacked division. Magny brings length, cardio, and grinding tactics, while Zaleski offers explosive striking and unpredictable offense. It’s a classic striker vs. grappler clash with high stakes for both men.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Neil Magny	Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
Record	29-14	25-9-1
Age	37	38
Height	6’3″	5’11”
Reach	80″	73″
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
UFC Experience	24 fights	17 fights
Last Fight	KO loss to Carlos Prates	TKO loss to Chidi Njokuani
Strikes Landed/Min	3.43	4.26
Striking Accuracy	46%	41%
Takedowns/15 Min	2.12	0.75
Takedown Defense	53%	68%

Fighter Breakdown

🇺🇸 Neil Magny – “The Haitian Sensation”

Strengths:

Exceptional reach and cardio

Clinch control and cage pressure

Veteran savvy and volume striking

Weaknesses:

Declining durability (KO’d in last two fights)

Vulnerable to explosive strikers

Low takedown defense (53%)

🇧🇷 Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos – “Capoeira”

Strengths:

Knockout power and wild striking arsenal

Muay Thai base with spinning attacks

BJJ black belt with opportunistic submissions

Weaknesses:

Inconsistent output and fading explosiveness

Susceptible to clinch and grind tactics

Recent KO loss raises durability concerns

Tactical Matchup

Magny’s Path to Victory:
Use his 7-inch reach advantage to jab and stay at range, clinch against the cage, and mix in takedowns to wear Zaleski down. A slow-paced, grind-heavy approach favors Magny.

Zaleski’s Path to Victory:
Keep the fight standing, land heavy counters, and avoid prolonged clinch exchanges. His best chance is to catch Magny early with a spinning kick or flurry before the fight slows.

This fight is a battle of attrition. Magny’s length and cardio give him the tools to frustrate Zaleski, but his chin is a growing liability. Zaleski’s unpredictability and power make him dangerous early, but if Magny survives the first round, he can grind out a decision.