Exclusive: Neil Magny details why Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns got him to change gameplan
Perennial UFC welterweight contender Neil Magny is slated to face former title challenger Gilbert Burns this weekend. As he goes into enemy territory in Brazil, Magny revealed his takeaway from Burns' last outing against Khamzat Chimaev.
Burns dropped a unanimous decision against the surging Chechen-born Swede in an iconic clash at UFC 273 in April last year.
The biggest surprise to me from Khamzat Chimaev vs Gilbert Burns was Chimaev's complete unwillingness to fight in Burns' guard. You rarely see top position fighters fear guards in 2022. Especially wrestlers. https://t.co/RSJAe03EGU
The fight admittedly made Magny sit back and register 'Durinho' as a fighter who didn't know how to quit. 'The Haitian Sensation' told Andrew Whitelaw in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA:
"And for me, watching that fight as a competitor, it just kind of upped the stakes for me. I know what's at stake now with a guy going out there to fight against Khamzat and doesn't have a single ounce of quit in him... For me seeing that fight was one of the most motivating things ever. I was like, 'Okay cool, this guy is gonna give it his all. And I can't afford to go in there and take it for granted or take it lightly.'"
Catch Neil Magny's exclusive interview with Sportskeeda below:
Burns gave Chimaev the toughest test of his career in a dogfight classic that was awarded the Fight of the Year by most juries. 'Durinho' is now eyeing a finish over Magny to climb his way back into title contention.
Neil Magny predicts Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards 3
Currently ranked number 12 in the welterweight division, Neil Magny will take a huge step up in competition when he faces Gilbert Burns, who is ranked No. 5. 'The Haitian Sensation' is likely to gain immediate relevance in the title picture if he pulls off an upset win.
Do not sleep on this one at #UFC283!
Gilbert Burns vs Neil Magny this Saturday!! https://t.co/fsfkFtAG5v
Meanwhile, the UFC recently finalized the much-anticipated rubber matchup between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman, scheduled for March 18 at the O2 arena in London. Giving his prediction for the fight, Magny picked Usman.
'The Haitian Sensation' expects 'The Nigerian Nightmare' to reclaim his title regardless of Edwards' home advantage. The 35-year-old further told Sportskeeda MMA:
"I've got Usman in this one. I mean he was winning the last fight and just one mistake cost him everything. And I feel like he's definitely gonna make the right adjustments, go out there and get it done. I mean even though the fight's gonna be in London and everything else, I feel like Usman's gonna definitely go out there and get his belt back."