Bantamweight, Louis Jourdain (8-3) Vs. Magno Dias (6-1)
Notable Notes
- Jourdain has only fought three times in MMA in four years
- Jourdain has lost twice by submission
- Dias has finished in rounds one, two, and three
- Dias has never gone the distance
- Dias loss is to a 2-4 fighter
Louis Jourdain
-Uses length well
-Clean counter striker
-Good bodywork
-Throws in combinations
-Credible jiu-jitsu
-Good ground and pound
-Solid distance control
-Submission threat
-Excellent shot selection
-Strong kickboxing
-TDD needs work
-Fight IQ a little lacking
Jourdain has taken the long road to his UFC opportunity, largely due to long stretches of inactivity. From the start of his career, he was matched tough—never taking easy fights—which led to some setbacks but also some quality wins against solid opponents. After 2018, he stepped away from MMA to take boxing matches, and from 2019 to now he’s had just four MMA bouts along with four boxing bouts (going 3–1), though cancellations have kept him from staying active.
His time in boxing has clearly sharpened his striking. He’s no longer one-dimensional, but questions remain about his wrestling and grappling. In the past, his takedown defense let him down and lapses on the mat saw him give up bad positions. Now, older and more seasoned, those mistakes appear less frequent. His takedown defense still concerns me, but he has functional offensive wrestling and enough grappling skill to pose threats of his own.
On the feet, though, he shines. Jourdain is a clean striker who throws sharp combinations, works well at range with calf kicks and long, snapping punches, and controls space effectively. He’s dangerous countering with check hooks, overhand counters, and uppercuts, and when he smells blood he unloads to the body and head in combination. His striking is strong enough to be a foundation for success in the UFC, and if he can continue building off it, Jourdain has the tools to become a very good fighter at this level.
Magno Dias
-Submission threat
-Damaging leg kicks
-Deceptive power
-Good bodywork
-Sits in the pocket too long
-Too willing to brawl
Dias feels like an unexpected signing this season given his level of competition and limited activity. At the same time, it isn’t entirely surprising since he trains out of the well-regarded Fighting Nerds team. What he brings is a style that should guarantee fun fights, even if questions remain about how it translates at this level.
He’s a Muay Thai fighter at heart, constantly attacking with leg kicks, working elbows in the clinch, and doing damage in close quarters with body and head shots. Dias is willing to stand in the pocket and trade, often coming out on top against regional-level opposition. The concern is that this approach has only proven effective against lower-level opponents, so it’s unclear how well it will hold up here.
Interestingly, most of his wins have come by submission. He’s particularly dangerous when attacking the neck, though his path to securing dominant positions isn’t always convincing. That leaves some question marks about his process, even if the finishing instincts are there.
Overall, Dias is talented and has an entertaining, aggressive style that suits this platform—but it still feels like the call-up came a season too early.
Prediction: Dias looks outmatched in this fight. Jourdain brings more experience and has faced far tougher competition. While both are strikers, Jourdain holds advantages in speed, size, and overall skill. On the feet, he throws more volume and controls distance better, and he’s the more tested and composed grappler. Expect Jourdain to gradually take over and secure a late stoppage.
