Magny v Prates betting picks & predictions | UFC Fight Night

Veteran welterweight Neil Magny tackles the dangerous Carlos Prates in the UFC Fight Night main event this Saturday night at the Apex in Las Vegas. Magny has proved difficult to catch for punters in recent years and will need to land a huge betting upset if he is to prevail against an opponent with some of the deadliest striking in the sport. Read on for BP’s full fight preview and free betting strategy.

Magny v Prates stats & fight preview

Neil Magny vs Carlos Prates

Neil Magny (29-13-0) has produced inconsistent results since 2022, posting four wins and four losses without winning two fights in succession. The 37-year-old veteran has played gatekeeper throughout this period, taking on emerging talents like Ian Machado Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Mike Malott. Most of Magny’s professional wins have come via the scorecards, where he holds an impressive 17-3 record.

Magny is a tall fighter and awkward to counter. He throws looping punches and loves to press opponents up against the cage to land short knees and elbows. The American has sound wrestling skills but has been submitted six times, including a first-round tap to Gilbert Burns in 2023. Magny is nearing the end of his MMA journey, and top UFC bookmakers have him at big odds to emerge with the win in Las Vegas.

Carlos Prates (20-6-0) rides a 10-fight win streak into this bout, with nine of those victories coming via knockout. The 30-year-old throws a range of dangerous strikes, including hard punches and knees to the body that might prove effective against a taller opponent here. The Brazilian is an explosive athlete who favours heavy strikes over carefully accumulating points.

Prates is yet to face a highly ranked welterweight but appears to have the tools necessary to break into the division’s top 10. Another stoppage win would propel him toward contender status, perhaps only a fight or two away from laying claim to a title shot. The betting favourite may slow if the fight lasts beyond two rounds, and he is expected to throw hard from the opening bell.

Magny v Prates predictions & top pick

It is hard to overlook the finishing prowess of Prates. He appears to be improving with every fight and now meets a declining talent in Magny. There is little value in backing Prates to win by knockout, which seems likely, so take him to secure the finish in the second round, after softening up Magny’s body in the opening five minutes.

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