The excitement surrounding the UFC is undeniable, particularly as the final event of 2024 draws near. UFC Fight Night 247 is set to take place on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, streaming exclusively on ESPN+. This event promises to not only deliver thrilling fights but also significant storyline implications, especially as seasoned welterweight Neil Magny prepares to square off against rising contender Carlos Prates.
Neil Magny (29-12 MMA, 22-11 UFC) enters this contest as one of the most experienced fighters in welterweight history. With a remarkable ability to absorb and adapt throughout his career, Magny’s upcoming fight marks his 34th appearance in the UFC’s welterweight division—the most of any fighter in this weight class. His all-time record for most wins (22) in UFC welterweight bouts stands as a testament to his skill and endurance in the octagon. However, Magny’s recent performance has been inconsistent. He is coming off a loss at UFC on ESPN 62 in August, raising questions about his capacity to maintain his position against formidable, emerging fighters like Prates.
Throughout his impressive career, Magny has set significant metrics that inspire a sense of awe among both fans and fellow competitors. Holding the record for total fight time in the welterweight division (6:51:58), along with the most significant strikes landed at 1,418, highlights his strategic fighting style. Moreover, his capability to emerge victorious through decisions—14 times—further emphasizes his proficiency and experience, setting him apart from many contemporary fighters.
Carlos Prates: The Rising Star
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Carlos Prates (20-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC), quickly establishing himself as a contender to watch. Remarkably, Prates can claim the distinction of being only the second fighter to achieve four fights in the UFC in 2024, with an undefeated streak of 3-0 thus far. His 18 stoppage victories out of 20 career wins signal a fighter who does not merely seek to outlast opponents but aims to finish them. With a three-fight knockout streak that’s tied for third-longest among active UFC fighters, he poses a significant threat to Magny’s ambitions.
Prates’s aggressive fighting style stands in sharp contrast to Magny’s experience-driven approach, and their matchup will be essential in determining whether the veteran can fend off the tides of newer talent. Should Prates secure a victory, it could launch him into the upper echelons of the division, prompting discussions about title shots in the near future.
Cody Garbrandt: A Titleholder at a Crossroads
The card also features notable names beyond the main event, including Cody Garbrandt (14-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC). Competing in his final bout under his current UFC contract, Garbrandt’s quest for redemption resonates with fans who have closely followed his career. Once a champion, Garbrandt’s trajectory has been tumultuous; he holds the distinction of being one of only three fighters to fail to defend the bantamweight title successfully. His record since 2017 displays a challenging past, with a disheartening 3-6 since that time.
However, recent improvement is evident; Garbrandt’s return to the bantamweight division, yielding a 2-1 record since March 2023, indicates a reinvigorated fighter with something to prove. His ability to land ten knockdowns places him among the best in bantamweight history, and one can only wonder whether Garbrandt can muster the willpower and strategy necessary to reclaim his former glory.
While the spotlight may be on Magny and Prates, additional fighters also showcase impressive credentials in this event. The card features fighters such as Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Gerald Meerschaert, each with unique backgrounds and accolades. Kowalkiewicz is on the cusp of breaking into the upper echelon of strawweights with her extensive experience and unmatched decision record, while Meerschaert impressively holds the most stoppage victories in middleweight history—a clear indication of his knack for finishing fights.
Gillian Robertson has also made waves in the women’s divisions, boasting record-setting submission victories. Meanwhile, Da’Mon Blackshear’s rare twister submission reflects the diverse skill sets across the card, showcasing the growth of finishing techniques within UFC culture.
UFC Fight Night 247 promises not just to be a concluding event for the year but possibly a transformative moment for several fighters—both seasoned veterans and emerging talents. As the welterweight landscape continues to evolve, fights like Magny versus Prates could alter the course of careers and set precedents going forward. With higher stakes than usual, every fighter will seek to make a memorable statement in front of the roaring audience. Therefore, fans should prepare for an electric night, culminating in the thrill of mixed martial arts.