A significant matchup in the welterweight division has been agreed upon for the upcoming UFC Vegas 108 event. Veteran staple Neil Magny is slated to take on Brazil`s Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. The bout is scheduled to take place on August 2nd inside the UFC APEX facility.
Neil Magny, recognized as the fighter with the most victories in the history of the UFC`s welterweight division, steps back into the octagon looking to halt a recent slide. The American competitor, who will turn 38 the day after the event, is currently experiencing a two-fight losing streak, having dropped decisions to rising contenders Michael Morales and Carlos Prates in his most recent outings.
Despite the recent setbacks, Magny`s resume speaks to his longevity and success at the elite level. With 22 wins across 34 UFC appearances dating back to 2012, “The Haitian Sensation” holds notable victories over a trio of former UFC champions: Robbie Lawler, Carlos Condit, and Johny Hendricks. This fight against Zaleski represents a crucial opportunity for Magny to regain momentum and prove he remains a threat in the stacked 170-pound division.
On the opposing side, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos will also be aiming to rebound. “Capoeira” is coming off a TKO defeat suffered against Chidi Njokuani in March 2024. This result followed a win over short-notice opponent Zach Scroggin just four months prior.
Before his current mixed results which include the recent loss and a majority draw against Rinat Fakhretdinov, Zaleski had built positive momentum with wins over tough opponents like Benoit Saint-Denis and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. The Brazilian striking specialist will be looking to deliver a definitive performance against a proven veteran like Magny to get back into the win column and re-establish himself as a contender.
UFC Vegas 108 is expected to be headlined by a flyweight contest between Amir Albazi and Tatsuro Taira, airing live on ESPN+. The addition of the Magny vs. Zaleski welterweight clash adds significant veteran presence and intriguing stylistic dynamics to the card.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham