Neil Magny was on his last legs — literally — in the waning moments of the UFC Fight Night 140 headliner in Buenos Aires, Argentina ,on Saturday night.
Santiago Ponzinibbio battered Magny’s legs repeatedly with low kicks during their welterweight clash, so much so that the Elevation Fight Team member was nearly immobilized. Still, Magny was appreciative that the fight wasn’t halted earlier, even as he struggled to move.
“Live by the sword, die by the sword,” Magny said at Saturday’s post-fight press conference. “I’m in there to protect myself at all times.
“I think I would be more disappointed in myself if I were to quit or if my coaches were to call it early. I’d rather fight tooth-and-nail until the last possible second and give it all I’ve got.”
Magny certainly did that, but he was a sitting duck when Ponzinibbio connected with a right hand to the jaw that sent him tumbling face first to the canvas at the 2:36 mark of round four. That ended a modest two-bout winning streak for Magny, who has been one of the welterweight division’s most consistent performers in recent years.
Magny was impressed by the power of his opponent. Ponzinibbio owns five KO/TKO victories and has scored nine knockdowns during his promotional tenure.
“I think it’s pretty obvious (I’m) beat up. Beat up and disappointed,” Magny said. “Obviously it wasn’t my night. … His power was impressive. Whether it was a jab or a cross or a hook, I was still looking up wondering where that punch came from. He has speed in his hands, power in his hands, and precision with his punches.”