Fighting for the first time since November 2018, Neil Magney looked like a fighter who hadn't missed a beat. For three rounds, Magney outworked his opponent Li Jingliang to earn a unanimous decision victory at UFC 248 on Saturday.
Magney shook off the rust early on in the first round, defending a takedown attempt by Jingliang and scoring his own takedown at the end of the frame. From that point on, it was all Magney who put on a striking clinic for the remaining two rounds.
Known for his conditioning, Magney attacked at a relentless pace. His dynamic striking kept Li Jingliang on the defensive for much of the fight. The difference in conditioning was apparent as the fight went on. While Jingliang seemed to tire in the second and third rounds, Magney picked up steam. All three judges scored the fight 30-27, giving Magney his first win since 2018.
“This victory feels so great,” Magny said in his post-fight interview. “The last 16 months, I was in a real tough spot. So to be back, it feels great.”
The win moved Magney to 22-7 (15-6 in the UFC). His 15 welterweight wins puts him third on the list all-time, tied with Thiago Alves and Matt Brown and behind only Georges St-Pierre (19) and Matt Hughes (16).