UFC on ESPN 71: Tatsuro Taira vs. HyunSung Park faceoffs
Check out the UFC on ESPN 71 weigh-in faceoffs, where the athletes from the 12-fight card had a final staredown ahead of event in Las Vegas.
Neil Magny and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ESPN 71 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-3
UFC main cards, 2025: 72-56-1
Neil Magny vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos UFC on ESPN 71 preview
Magny (29-13 MMA, 22-12 UFC) will aim to avoid dropping three straight for the first time in his career. Magny was finished in the first round in back-to-back fights against Michael Morales and Carlos Prates. The last win for Magny came at UFC 297, a third-round comeback stoppage against Mike Malott. … Dos Santos (25-9-1 MMA, 11-5-1 UFC) is also entering on the heels of a loss – a second-round stoppage to Chidi Njokuani. Prior to that setback in March, dos Santos finished Zach Scroggin just 75 seconds into their November fight.
Neil Magny vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos UFC on ESPN 71 expert pick, prediction
Serving as a solid offering of two “old heads” is a welterweight clash between Neil Magny and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.
I’m a fan of both fighters, but there’s no denying that we’re looking at two post-prime products given their recent form. It’s hard to tell who is more shot at this point in their careers, and there are good cases to be made for either side, regardless.
I came incredibly close to changing my pick to Magny given how the smaller octagon will likely assist his style, but it’s hard to discount the underrated wrestling and grappling of dos Santos.
I’m not sure we get a classic performance from either fighter, so I’ll semi-reluctantly side with dos Santos to win on the scorecards for being the more offensively potent competitor in pockets.
Neil Magny vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos UFC on ESPN 71 odds
The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Brazilian fighter, listing dos Santos (-194) and Magny (+156) via FanDuel.
Neil Magny vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos UFC on ESPN 71 start time, how to watch
Magny and dos Santos are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:40 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
