Neil Magny, the UFC’s ironman welterweight, is back in the spotlight after a dramatic and controversial submission victory over Jake Matthews at UFC Perth on September 27, 2025. The win has sparked heated debate among fans and fighters, with many calling it one of the most unexpected comebacks of the year.
Magny’s Miraculous Turnaround
Magny entered the octagon as the underdog, facing a surging Jake Matthews who had won three straight fights. Early rounds saw Matthews dominating, landing heavy shots and controlling the pace. But in the final round, Magny flipped the script with a slick submission that stunned the crowd and left Matthews tapping out.
UFC pros and fans immediately took to social media, with bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili calling Magny’s performance “what a baller” and others praising his resilience and veteran savvy. The finish was not without controversy, as some questioned the referee’s timing and Matthews’ defensive choices, but most agreed Magny’s experience was the deciding factor.
Fighter Reactions and Community Buzz
The MMA community erupted with reactions:
-
Pros praised Magny’s grit, noting his ability to stay calm under pressure and capitalize on a rare opening.
-
Fans debated the submission’s legitimacy, with some arguing Matthews could have escaped, while others credited Magny’s technical prowess.
-
Betting odds were upended, as Magny’s win came despite being a +330 underdog, shocking oddsmakers and bettors alike.
Magny’s Recent Challenges Outside the Cage
This comeback win comes after a turbulent year for Magny, who recently opened up about a personal custody battle that was complicated by trash talk from a previous opponent, Ian Machado Garry. Magny revealed that comments made during UFC 292 press conferences were used against him in court, but he ultimately prevailed and maintained his relationship with his children.
Despite the ordeal, Magny expressed empathy for Garry, wishing him and his family well and emphasizing the importance of keeping personal matters out of the fight game. Magny’s openness about his struggles has earned him respect from fans and fellow fighters, highlighting his resilience both inside and outside the octagon.
What’s Next for Neil Magny?
At 38 years old, Magny remains one of the UFC’s most active and durable welterweights, boasting a record of 19–6–1 in the promotion. His latest win puts him back in the mix for high-profile fights, and fans are already speculating about his next opponent.
Key takeaways:
-
Magny’s comeback win has reignited his career, proving he’s still a threat in the stacked welterweight division.
-
His personal journey adds depth to his story, making him one of the sport’s most relatable and respected veterans.
-
Expect Magny to be back in action soon, with potential matchups against rising contenders or fellow veterans.
Magny’s story is a testament to perseverance—whether battling in the cage or fighting for his family, he continues to inspire with his unwavering determination.
Sources
1. Neil Magny Delivers Controversial Comeback Submission Against Jake Matthews - UFC Perth Highlights
2. Neil Magny: Ian Machado Garry trash talk was used in my custody ...
3. Pros react after Neil Magny submits Jake Matthews at UFC Perth
4. Neil Magny explains why he refuses to compare himself to Georges ...
5. ‘What a baller’: Pros react to Neil Magny’s comeback submission win at UFC Perth
6. UFC Perth main card odds, breakdowns and predictions | X-Factor
7. Neil Magny (Welterweight) MMA Profile - ESPN
8. List of current UFC fighters - Wikipedia
9. UFC 314's Carlos Prates' fantastic 2024 could have been even more ...
10. UFC 292: Sean O'Malley dethrones Aljamain Sterling, Zhang Weili ...