The main card of UFC on ESPN 71: Taira vs. Park, taking place on August 2, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features a compelling welterweight matchup between UFC veteran Neil Magny and dangerous Brazilian striker Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. With Magny holding the record for most wins in UFC welterweight history and Zaleski known for his highlight-reel finishes, this bout is a pivotal moment for both fighters looking to re-enter the rankings conversation.
Neil Magny
Neil Magny (29–13) is one of the most experienced fighters in UFC history, known for his long reach, disciplined jab, and ability to mix striking with clinch work and wrestling. Over a career spanning more than a decade, Magny has fought nearly every top contender in the division, earning 22 UFC welterweight victories, the most in history.
Magny enters this bout coming off back-to-back first-round stoppage losses to Carlos Prates and Michael Morales in 2024. While he has shown the ability to rebound from setbacks in the past, these recent defeats raise questions about his durability against heavy hitters. At his best, Magny uses his length, footwork, and conditioning to frustrate opponents and win on points.
Neil Magny – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Carlos Prates – KO (Punch) – UFC FN, Nov 9, 2024
2. Loss vs. Michael Morales – TKO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN, Aug 24, 2024
3. Win vs. Mike Malott – TKO (Punches) – UFC 297, Jan 20, 2024
4. Loss vs. Ian Machado Garry – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 292, Aug 19, 2023
5. Win vs. Philip Rowe – Decision (Split) – UFC on ABC, Jun 24, 2023
Magny’s game plan will likely revolve around controlling the distance with his jab, initiating clinch exchanges, and avoiding prolonged striking battles in the pocket where Zaleski thrives.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25–9–1) is a Brazilian knockout artist with a background as a former Jungle Fight welterweight champion. Known for his creative and explosive striking, “Capoeira” has delivered some of the most spectacular finishes in the UFC, including spinning wheel kicks, flying knees, and devastating combinations.
Zaleski is coming off a TKO loss to Chidi Njokuani in March 2025, but before that, he stopped Zach Scroggin in the first round in November 2024. While his chin has been tested in recent years, his offensive firepower remains elite, and he is always one strike away from ending a fight.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Chidi Njokuani – TKO (Knee & Elbows) – UFC FN, Mar 15, 2025
2. Win vs. Zach Scroggin – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN, Nov 9, 2024
3. Loss vs. Randy Brown – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 302, Jun 1, 2024
4. Draw vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov – Draw (Majority) – UFC FN, Nov 4, 2023
5. Win vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN, Jun 3, 2023
Zaleski will aim to pressure Magny early, close the distance, and unleash heavy strikes before Magny can find his rhythm.
Matchup Breakdown
Magny’s reach, pace, and clinch control are his primary weapons, but he will have to be wary of Zaleski’s explosiveness and ability to end fights with one strike. The Brazilian’s best chance comes in forcing wild exchanges and catching Magny during entries or defensive resets.
Magny has the edge in cardio and can drag the fight into deep waters if he survives the early onslaught. Zaleski has shown the ability to fight at a measured pace, but his highest success rate comes when he fights aggressively in the first two rounds.
This fight is a classic clash of styles: Magny’s methodical approach versus Zaleski’s knockout-hunting aggression.
Prediction
If Magny can neutralize Zaleski’s early bursts and use his length effectively, he can grind out a decision. However, given Magny’s recent vulnerability to power punchers and Zaleski’s finishing instincts, the Brazilian may find his opening early.
Prediction: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Neil Magny via TKO (Punches) – Round 2
A win here could put Zaleski back in the mix for a ranked opponent, while Magny will be looking to prove he can still compete at a high level in the stacked welterweight division.