Welterweight mainstay Neil Magny returned to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 96 on Saturday night for a scrap with undefeated Ecuadorian prospect Michael Morales.
Coming off a win over Mike Malott in January, Magny will look to make it two in a row for the first time since 2020 when he meets Morales, a 16-0 fighter who already has four wins under the UFC banner.
Round 1
Magny gets things started with a low-leg attack. Magny throws another, but Morales checks the kick and returns fire with a calf kick of his own. 80 seconds into the scrap, Magny closes the distance and forces Morales back against the fence. Morales gives up his back, allowing Magny to lock his hands together against the cage wall and work to advance his position.
Magny drags Morales to the ground, but Morales pops right back up. Still, Magny continues to cling on his back. Magny gives up the grip to try and land a few shots and Morales takes advantage, delivering a spinning elbow that catches Magny off guard and puts him on the mat. Morales goes on the attack and ends up in high mount while reigning down strikes on Magny.
Magny turns his back and gets flattened out. Morales unleashes a never-ending string of strikes that forces the referee to step in and stop the fight with only seconds left in the opening round.
Official Result: Michael Morales def. Neil Magny via TKO (strikes) at 4:39 of Round 1.
Check out highlights from Neil Magny vs. Michael Morales at UFC Vegas 96:
https://x.com/RedWolfMMA/status/1827539201543291384
MICHAEL MORALES KNOCKS OUT NEIL MAGNY IN THE VERY FIRST ROUND! 🔥
— MMA Frenzy (@mma_frenzy) August 25, 2024
STATEMENT MADE! 😍#MMA #UFC #UFCVegas96 pic.twitter.com/sUYD5dYioK
STILL UNDEFEATED 😤
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 25, 2024
Michael Morales picks up another K.O. in style 👊 #UFCVegas96 pic.twitter.com/tuiPxGtr4S
