Neil Magny vs. Max Griffin
Rankings fixture Neil Magny takes on streaking veteran Max Griffin in this compelling welterweight affair.
Traditionally one of the most active fighters on the roster, Magny only fought twice in 2021, dropping a unanimous decision to Michael Chiesa in January before rebounding with a decision win of his own over Geoff Neal in May. The former Ultimate Fighter contestant has been a permanent presence in the Top 15 for the last several years, and remains one of the more underrated fighters on the UFC roster.
After struggling to produce consistent results through his first nine UFC appearances, Griffin has strung together three straight wins heading into this clash with Magny in Columbus. He scored a third-round stoppage win over Ramiz Brahimaj towards the end of 2020, following it up with a first-round knockout of Song Kenan last March before out-dueling Carlos Condit at UFC 264.
Because of his length, gas tank, and the steady stream of jabs he throws your way, Magny is a difficult matchup for anyone aspiring to land a place in the welterweight Top 10. He is the toughest test Griffin has faced since his promotional debut against Colby Covington, and it will be interesting to see if he can maintain his winning ways when the two share the cage on Saturday.
Marc Diakiese vs. Viacheslav Borshchev
Marc Diakiese looks to break out of a mini-slump in his first start of the year, while Viacheslav Borshchev looks to collect his second win in 2022 in this lightweight gem.
Still just 28 years old, Diakiese has struggled to find success since beginning his UFC tenure with three straight wins, posting just two victories in his last seven starts. He’s lost to quality competition and remains a plus athlete with dynamic striking, which means he’s capable of bouncing back at any time.
Borshchev impressed on Season 5 of Dana White’s Contender Series and then collected a first-round stoppage victory in his promotional debut on the opening card of the year. The Team Alpha Male representative has far more combat sports experience than his 6-1 record suggests and his win over Dakota Bush was just a glimpse of how dangerous “Slava Claus” can be inside the Octagon.
Diakiese needs a win to get things back on track, while Borshchev is aiming to expedite his climb up the divisional ladder. Who will get the critical victory they’re looking for this weekend?
