UFC Fight Island 8: Michael Chiesa vs. Neil Magny Picks and Predictions

Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny face off in the main event of UFC Fight Island 8 on Wednesday at UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. 

Michael “Maverick” Chiesa comes into this fight with a 17-4 record overall and coming into this game they have won three games in a row. Chiesa’s last fight was against Rafael Dos Anjos in January of 2020 and he had six takedowns in that fight, which was enough to come away with the victory. In that fight, Chiesa only actually had nine significant strikes. Chiesa’s main goal in every fight is to get it to the ground. The Maverick is averaging 2.07 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 1.95 significant strikes per minute. Chiesa is averaging 3.84 successful takedowns every 15 minutes and there is no doubt that will be his goal in this game. Chiesa is successful on 51 percent of his takedown attempts and he stops 68 percent of his opponents' takedown attempts. 

On the other side of this fight is Neil Magny who sits with a 24-8 record overall and coming into this one he has won three fights in a row. Magny’s last fight came against Robbie Lawler and he was able to dominate that getting the fight to the ground early and coming away with the unanimous decision. Lawler had four takedowns in that fight, and outstruck his opponent 62-26. Each of Magny’s last three wins has come by unanimous decision. Magny is averaging 3.96 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 2.15 significant strikes per minute. Magny is averaging 2.63 takedowns every 15 minutes and he is successful on 45 percent of his attempts. Magny is also stopping 59 percent of his opponents' takedown attempts. 

AUTHOR: Shane Mickle

To Be Continued...