Winner: Neil Magny
Confidence Score: 62Neil Magny's size and reach advantages are significant in this matchup: he stands 4 inches taller, with an 8-inch arm reach and 5.5-inch leg reach advantage over Gunnar Nelson. Historically, fighters with such reach advantages at welterweight win a majority of these stylistic matchups, especially when they can maintain distance and utilize volume striking. Magny's striking defense (52%) is slightly better than Nelson's (49%), and while Nelson is the more dangerous submission threat, Magny's grappling defense and ability to scramble have held up against high-level grapplers in the past. Both fighters are coming off losses, but Magny has consistently faced tougher opposition and has more experience in three-round fights. Additionally, Magny has shown resilience against grapplers, and fighters with Nelson's grappling-heavy style have only moderate success against long, defensively sound opponents like Magny. While Nelson is dangerous early, Magny's cardio and ability to take over late rounds tip the edge to him in a competitive but favorable stylistic matchup.
Live odds
Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Neil Magny vs Gunnar Nelson can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Holloway vs Poirier 3 can be found on the Holloway vs Poirier 3 event page.