Neil Manny holds the record for most of the fights in UFC welterweight history, facing Elyze Zareschi at the UFC Vegas 108 this Saturday, and Zareschi sees it as an opportunity to return to the 170 pound ranking.
At one point in his career, Zareschi, who won seven consecutive wins in promotions with finishes with the likes of Sean Strickland and Curtis Millender, will re-enter the cage with one win in his last five matches. However, it appears that fighting safely to return to the Win column is not a plan.
“We have to brawl there, that’s what I want to do,” Zareski told MMA Fighting. “He’s a guy who’s always been in the top 15, so a victory over him could clearly be a game changer for me to return to the top 15 again. Of course, the main goal here is to get a big win over him and then return to the top 15 is the result.”
Zaleski called Magny multiple times in the past and finally got his wish on a four-week notice. Manny lost the past two to the promising Michael Morales and Carlos Plates, finishing in the first round in both, but Zareschi sees evolution in one aspect of Manny’s game.
“He’s been tested against everyone at the top of the division, but we’ve seen his grappling evolution in recent years,” Zareski said. “He’s a very good striker and has this efficient clinch in the wrestling exchange when he’s attacking. He’s gotten better on the ground with good offense and great defense.”
“Capoeira” wonders if Magny’s jaw is still the same after competing at the highest level, as a third of the UFC’s losses were brought about by knockouts, but he gives Magny the utmost respect. Zaleski scored four of his 11 UFC wins in knockouts, including a 75-second finish at Zach Scroggin this November.
“He has a beautiful legacy and it’s an honor for me to fight this battle,” Zareski said of Manny. “Looking at his stats, he has a lot of victory with decisions, so I think we can go that route, but I think I can get knockouts and submission. I think we can really explore that. I’m looking forward to it once more. Show my best.”