The Pro Take: Michael Chiesa’s Victory and Callout of Colby Covington at UFC Fight Island 8

By
Justin Gibbons
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Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny, UFC Fight Island 8
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 20: (R-L) Michael Chiesa takes down Neil Magny in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 20, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

It may not be the main event we wanted, simply because of how high profile of a fight Leon Edwards vs. Khamzat Chimaev is, but Michael Chiesa vs. Neil Magny was an exciting replacement nonetheless. Both men were on a three-fight win streak heading into UFC Fight Island 8, and looking to emerge as an early contender for the welterweight championship in 2021.

Michael Chiesa may have a career as an MMA broadcaster when his active fighting career inside the Octagon is over. But he put that future on hold for the UFC Fight Island 8 main event to pursue his dream of one day being a world champion. And a win over Neil Magny could put him on the right track.

Neil Magny has always been so close to the top of the mountain, but “The Haitian Sensation” seems to derail just prior to getting recognition in the championship talk. Magny has reinvented himself to this point, putting together a number impressive victories, however.

When it came down to it, Chiesa vs. Magny went all five rounds, in a grueling, grinding affair. The grinding pace that Michael Chiesa put on Neil Magny was enough to earn him the unanimous decision. The biggest surprise might have come post-fight. After paying his respects on the mic to Neil Magny, Chiesa took the time to intensely call out Colby Covington.

“The election is over, your shtick is done – Colby Covington, I want you next, boy!” Chiesa bellowed out following the win.

PROS GIVE THEIR TAKE

Check out how the pros reacted to Michael Chiesa vs. Neil Magny at UFC Fight Island 8 below!

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