Neil Magny achieved another remarkable victory at UFC Perth. Often considered a stalwart of the welterweight division, Magny further cemented his legacy by securing his latest comeback win, placing him second in UFC history for most career victories.
In his 36th appearance in the Octagon, Magny faced fellow veteran Jake Matthews on Sunday. He handed the Australian contingent their sole defeat in Perth by submitting Matthews in the final round.
The fight`s conclusion was not without dispute; in the first round, the referee prematurely halted the bout just before the buzzer, as Magny was ensnared in a tight guillotine choke. The official stepped in, believing Magny had lost consciousness. However, once the choke was released, Magny asserted he was still lucid, and the referee permitted the fight to proceed.
While Matthews and his team contemplate their next steps, Magny has shared his perspective on the chaotic end to the first round.
Neil Magny Recalls `Fighting for Air` During Controversial Stoppage
Magny revealed he was perilously close to losing consciousness at UFC Perth, yet he managed to stay awake. He recounted that while trapped in the choke, he was mentally counting down the remaining seconds of the round before the referee`s intervention.
“I felt the round was already over,” Magny stated during the post-fight broadcast. He acknowledged Matthews had applied “a pretty tight choke.”
He added, “My best strategy was to desperately fight for air and maintain blood flow to stay conscious.”
“I extended my arm slightly, and as soon as I heard the ten-second warning, I began counting down mentally: `Ten, nine, eight…` all the way to one. Just as I anticipated the bell, the referee stepped in.”
Magny concluded, “The choke was deep, but at that specific moment, it was purely about battling for breath and preventing myself from going unconscious.”
Jake Matthews Seeks to Overturn Loss Following UFC Perth Controversy
For a brief period after the first round, Matthews believed he had secured a victory. Veteran referee John McCarthy suggested that the initial stoppage in round one might have caused an “adrenaline dump” for Matthews, potentially affecting his subsequent performance.
Regardless, Matthews intends to appeal the outcome, citing the premature stoppage of the fight just before the conclusion of the opening round.
“The fight stoppage is currently under review by the state combat commission,” Matthews announced via social media. He added, “It`s difficult to regain focus after a referee`s intervention, but we will defer to their judgment and await the decision.”
Matthews concluded, “Ultimately, rules are rules.” His management has confirmed their intention to appeal the fight`s result.
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