In a captivating turn of events at UFC 297, Mike Malott‘s promising performance took an unexpected nosedive, culminating in a buzzer-beating TKO by Neil Magny at 4:45 of Round 3. The welterweight clash unfolded on the main card at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
As the crowd roared to the beat of “Fat Lip” by Sum 41, Malott, hailed as Canada’s rising star, entered with high expectations. In stark contrast, Magny faced early disdain, with chants echoing disapproval during Round 1.
Despite Malott’s effective kicks, reminiscent of Ian Garry’s strategy, Magny showcased resilience. A particular kick prompted a crowd-reacting pogo hop from Magny, setting the tone for the dynamic clash.
#UFC297 results: Neil Magny TKOs Mike Malott for ridiculous buzzer-beating comeback https://t.co/GVSSJp6BCZ
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 21, 2024
Round 2 saw Magny adopting a more aggressive stance, leading to an unforeseen collision with the fence. Seizing the opportunity, Malott executed a seamless takedown, only for Magny to rise swiftly. The round concluded with Malott delivering impactful ground-and-pound just before the horn.
In a surprising twist in the final round, Malott revisited his successful grappling approach, but Magny turned the tables with a decisive sweep. Landing big punches, Magny thwarted Malott’s submission attempts and dominated with relentless strikes.
Referee Kevin MacDonald allowed Malott ample time to mount a comeback, but it proved elusive. The fight was ultimately waved off, marking Magny’s triumphant return and moving him to a 2-1 record in his last three bouts.
Magny’s journey, characterized by alternating wins and losses since joining the UFC roster in 2013, showcases his resilience and determination. This victory serves as a redemption story following his August loss to Ian Garry.
For Malott, the defeat at UFC 297 marks his first in the UFC but only the second in his professional career, ending an impressive seven-fight unbeaten streak dating back to 2014.
The Scotiabank Arena witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions, with Magny’s comeback stealing the spotlight and leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next in the unpredictable world of UFC.
KAIRA’S VIEW
In the thrilling narrative of UFC 297, Mike Malott’s journey took an unexpected turn, and Neil Magny emerged as the comeback sensation of the night. Malott, initially riding high with a dominant two-round display, faced a sudden defeat with ground-and-pound strikes from Magny at 4:45 of Round 3, marking a potential Comeback of the Year contender. The contrasting receptions during their entrances, with Malott celebrated as Canada’s torchbearer and Magny met with early chants of disapproval, added a layer of intensity to the bout. Magny’s effective kicks and a notable pogo hop stirred the crowd’s emotions, setting the stage for a gripping clash. Despite a tactical error in Round 2, Malott showcased resilience with a seamless takedown. However, the plot twisted in the final round, as Magny executed a sweep, sealing the victory with a flurry of punches. Referee Kevin MacDonald’s patience was evident, but Malott’s comeback never materialized, leading to a decisive fight stoppage. Magny’s triumph, moving to 2-1 in his recent three fights, highlights the unpredictable nature of UFC, while Malott’s first UFC loss, after an impressive seven-fight streak, adds a human touch to the rollercoaster of professional MMA careers.
