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Neil Magny defied the odds and showcased his resilience in a thrilling encounter at UFC 297, overcoming a compromised leg to secure a dramatic victory over Canada's Mike Malott on Saturday night.
Entering the fight as the second-biggest underdog on the card at +290, Magny faced an uphill battle from the start. Malott capitalized on Magny's weakened leg, targeting his lead calf that had been previously damaged by Ian Machado Garry in August. Despite the early onslaught from Malott, Magny refused to back down.
The Canadian fighter dominated the second round and appeared to be on course for a similar performance in the third. However, as the fight progressed, it became evident that Malott was running out of steam. Sensing an opportunity, Magny seized control late in the third round, positioning himself on the ground and unleashing a relentless barrage of punches.
Unable to mount a defense, Malott succumbed to Magny's assault, prompting the referee to intervene with just 15 seconds remaining in the fight, awarding Magny a stunning victory. With this win, Magny improved his record to an impressive 29-11, further solidifying his place in UFC history.
Magny's victory also saw him extend several UFC records, including the most welterweight wins (22), most welterweight bouts (32), and most significant strikes landed in welterweight history, highlighting his remarkable career in the sport.
On the other hand, Malott's defeat marked a significant setback, snapping his six-fight winning streak and dropping his record to 10-2-1. Despite being touted as a promising contender in the welterweight division, Malott will now have to regroup following this unexpected loss.
The night proved to be a tough one for the Toronto crowd, as male Canadian fighters went 0-7 at UFC 297. Even Arnold Allen, who trains out of Montreal's Tristar Gym, suffered a defeat, adding to the disappointment for Canadian fans. However, there were some bright spots for Canada, with female fighters Jasmine Jasudavicius and Gillian Robertson securing victories to prevent a clean sweep for the country.