The UFC Fight Island 8 main event will still feature welterweights… just not Leon Edwards or Khamzat Chimaev.
With news that Khamzat Chimaev is still dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and thus won’t fight Edwards on January 20th, the UFC has opted to reschedule Edwards vs. Chimaev (again) bump up Michael Chiesa vs. Neil Magny to headliner status. Dana White confirmed this in an interview with The Schmo.
Chiesa (17-4) is a perfect 3-0 since making the move up to welterweight. After submitting former interim champion Carlos Condit at UFC 232, he easily took care of Diego Sanchez at UFC 239, and then announced his arrival as a contender by taking a decision against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Charlotte in January.
Magny (24-7) has also won three straight, although all of his are by unanimous decision. He outclassed Li Jingliang at UFC 248 in March, Anthony Rocco Martin at UFC 250 in June, and most recently dominated Robbie Lawler at UFC Vegas 8 in August. The latest UFC rankings have Magny at #9 and Chiesa at #8, so this is certainly worthy of being five rounds.
UFC Fight Island 8 streams on ESPN+ from Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
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