Neil Magny sees pros and drawbacks to shorter-recognize Robbie Lawler fight

UFC welterweight contender Neil Magny admits there are professionals and disadvantages to his combat in opposition to Robbie Lawler on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 33.

Magny was established to battle Geoff Neal in a high-profile welterweight bout, but Neal was forced to withdraw because of to a clinical issue and Lawler stepper in on quick recognize. Lawler, the former UFC welterweight winner, has not fought since final summer time and has missing four of his very last five fights. Which is why the oddsmakers have installed Magny as the betting preferred for the contest. Then once again, Lawler has established he has the power to quit any person at 170.

Speaking to the media in advance of UFC on ESPN+ 33, Magny spoke about the likely pros and drawbacks to accepting a fight in opposition to Lawler on small observe.

“The battle against Robbie Lawler, there is a ton of prestige at the rear of his name. Obviously a former entire world winner and getting in the activity for as lengthy as he’s been, but at the very same time, Geoff Neal is the youthful man you want to examination on your own against. He’s new to the UFC, he’s on an incredible acquire streak ideal now, and he’s obtained a lot of steam powering him,” Magny said (via MMAjunkie.com).

“It’s a battle that not always excites you a lot more, but it provides its very own level of pleasure. If I can go out there and defeat Robbie Lawler, the naysayers will say he’s previous his primary, he’s this and that, and there is likely to be room for folks to criticize and downplay the earn. But if I were to conquer a person like Geoff Neal, it will be like, ‘Holy crap, this man is undefeated in the UFC, he was making a dash to the top rated of the division, and you stopped him in his tracks,’ so that is amazing. So each and every struggle will come with its individual listing of matters to take absent from, but I’m joyful with the Robbie Lawler matchup.”

For Magny, this is a huge struggle as he continues his march upwards the UFC welterweight rankings. The extensive-time contender at 170lbs has gained his final two fights and is searching to create momentum with a different acquire here against Lawler. A get above Lawler might not carry as a great deal bodyweight guiding it as it after did, but for Magny it is even now a large prospect to place the identify of a former winner on his resume.

Who do you believe wins, Neil Magny or Robbie Lawler?