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UFC on ESPN 33 results: Neil Magny somehow survives early onslaught, defeats Max Griffin in wild affair

Nolan King
·2 min read

While there was only one winner at UFC on ESPN 33, both Neil Magny and Max Griffin proved something Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.

In a welterweight bout in the middle of the event’s main card at Nationwide Arena, Magny (26-8 MMA, 19-7 UFC) defeated Griffin (18-9 MMA, 6-7 UFC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Although he took a step up in name recognition and contender-ship, Griffin showed he belonged from the opening bell. In Round 1, he turned in arguably one of the strongest rounds of his career, catalyzed by a moment in which he stunned and dropped Magny.

Magny hung tough and survived until the end-of-round horn. Although he absorbed a lot of damage in the opening five minutes, Magny showed veteran savvy when he rebounded for a competitive Round 2. Griffin also had his moments, making it a closer round to score.

In Round 3, Magny dominated Griffin along the fence. Griffin, appearing to slow, tried his best to shove Magny off – but struggled to do so. In the final minute, Magny elevated and slammed Griffin in unusual fashion, similar to that of a professional wrestling piledriver.

With the win, Magny extended a standalone victory into a streak. Following a five-round unanimous decision loss to Michael Chiesa in January 2021, Magny beat Geoff Neal by unanimous decision in May. He has now won five of his past six.

Griffin had a three-fight winning streak snapped. Entering UFC on ESPN 33, Griffin won consecutive bouts against Ramiz Brahimaj, Kenan Song and Carlos Condit. Saturday’s defeat was his first since March 2020.

  • Neil Magny def. Max Griffin via via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

  • Marc Diakiese def. Viacheslav Borshchev via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

  • Sara McMann def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

  • Chris Gutierrez def. Danaa Batgerel via TKO (spinning back fist, punches) – Round 2, 2:34

  • Aliaskhab Khizriev def. Denis Tiuliulin via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:58

  • Manon Fiorot def. Jennifer Maia via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

  • Matheus Nicolau def. David Dvorak via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

  • Luis Saldana def. Bruno Souza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)