The final UFC Apex event of 2024 promises to be an exciting evening filled with intense battles and remarkable achievements as UFC Fight Night 247 unfolds on Saturday in Las Vegas. Streamed live on ESPN+, this event is set to feature an impressive card headlined by the record-holding welterweight, Neil Magny, who will face off against the rising contender Carlos Prates.
The Legacy of Neil Magny
Neil Magny enters the octagon for his 34th welterweight bout, making him the fighter with the most appearances in this weight class in UFC history. With a professional record of 29 wins and 12 losses, Magny’s tenure in mixed martial arts reflects a blend of perseverance and skill. As he aims to build on his divisional wins record, each bout serves not only as a test of physical prowess but also as an exhibition of his longevity in a sport known for its grueling nature.
Magny’s recent fight history illustrates a pattern of alternating victories and defeats; he suffered a loss in his preceding fight at UFC on ESPN 62 in August. However, his achievements in the UFC are undeniable. With 22 victories to his name in the Octagon, he ranks fourth all-time in terms of wins, trailing only Jim Miller, Andrei Arlovski, and Donald Cerrone. Notably, his statistics paint a picture of dominance; he holds the record for the most significant strikes landed and the longest cumulative fight time in the welterweight division. As he steps into the cage against Prates, Magny carries not only the weight of history but also the expectations of proving he still belongs among the elite.
On the other side of the octagon, Carlos Prates seeks to etch his name into UFC folklore. With an MMA record of 20 wins and 6 losses, Prates is a relatively new addition to the UFC roster, boasting an impressive 3-0 in UFC competition. The Brazilian fighter’s trajectory has been meteoric, with 18 of his career victories coming by way of stoppage, making him a formidable force. Prates is no stranger to finishing fights, and his ongoing three-fight knockout streak places him among the most dangerous fighters currently active in the organization.
As Prates steps into the spotlight against a seasoned veteran like Magny, the bout serves as a litmus test—an opportunity for him to establish himself as a contender among UFC’s welterweights. Reverberations of his explosive fighting style may catch the attention of matchmakers and fans alike, transforming this fight into a memorable clash that could initiate a new chapter for Prates in the UFC.
Cody Garbrandt: A Contract’s End
Meanwhile, Cody Garbrandt enters the evening at a crucial juncture in his career. Having held the bantamweight title and been one of nine champions in this division, Garbrandt’s journey has been fraught with challenges. With a record of 14-6, he finds himself at the end of his current contract, making this fight pivotal. After a mixed bag of results, including a resurgence since his return to bantamweight, Garbrandt aims to secure a definitive victory that could redefine his standing in the promotion.
Garbrandt’s penchant for knockdowns—tied for the second-most in bantamweight history—illustrates his striking capability, yet his inconsistency in recent bouts raises questions. As he faces his own career crossroads, Garbrandt must harness his past successes while navigating an increasingly competitive division.
Beyond the headline bouts, UFC Fight Night 247 boasts a variety of intriguing matchups. Karolina Kowalkiewicz competes for her place in strawweight history, while Gerald Meerschaert looks to extend his record for stoppage victories. Furthermore, the emergence of Gillian Robertson and her recent accomplishments adds to the event’s allure, especially given her record for submission victories in women’s competition.
Each fighter brings a unique story to the ring on Saturday, merging experiences of triumph and hardship. For those like Da’Mon Blackshear, whose unique submission victory by Twister marks him as part of a rare club in the UFC, these moments amplify the narrative tapestry woven within the sport.
UFC Fight Night 247 is more than just another event; it’s a cultural communion among seasoned warriors and burgeoning talents. As tenacity meets technique, viewers can expect an evening of surprises, emotions, and perhaps new champions. With records on the line and futures at stake, every fighter has something significant to prove, making this fight night an essential feature in the ongoing saga of mixed martial arts.