Exclusive/ 'An all-out war': Neil Magny Talks High-Stakes Challenge of Facing Carlos Prates at UFC Vegas 100

This week at UFC Fight Night, veteran UFC Welterweight Fighter, Neil Magny, will come across an emerging prospect in division, known as "Nightmare" Carlos Prates. fight will heline 100th UFC Vegas Event, a series that began three deces ago. Ahe of much-anticipated fight, Republic World caught up with one of protagonists of main event, Magny himself and put forward some relevant queries in front of him.

From expressing thoughts on fighting Carlos Prates to reflecting on his journey in UFC, Magny presented his thoughts in a detailed manner. Without furr o, let's take a peek at excerpts from conversation.

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Q. What are your thoughts on your next opponent, Carlos Prates?

It's a super exciting match, where I'll be facing anor undefeated UFC up-and-comer who's coming in to test himself against a seasoned veteran. I’m up for challenge. guy has been impressive so far—I watched his fight against Jingliang, and that was an amazing knockout. He’s h a great career in UFC up to this point, and he could push me to bring out best version of myself.

Q. What do you think Carlos will bring to table. What fight could showcase from your end?

He’s a great striker with strong takedown defense—my kind of fighter. This is going to be an all-out war. I have to bring every weapon I have to this fight, wher it’s striking, grappling, wrestling—everything I can possibly do, I need to bring it out and make sure I come out on top. I know I can go toe-to-toe with him, strike for strike, so I’m going to go out re, mix it up, exchange, and take over. I’m going to have my moment and make it my night.

Q. What are your immediate and long-term goals in UFC?

long-term goal has always been same: UFC gold has been my mission since day I started here, twelve years ago, and that remains my goal today. But as far as short-term goals go, I’m taking it fight by fight, moment by moment. Every opportunity I’m blessed with, I make sure I give my all. Win, lose, or draw, I’ll go out re, give my best, and train to get job done. Whatever outcome, I’ll put everything back into my future and into my family.

Q. Are re any specific fighters under rar?

No, not yet. re are some rematches I’d like to earn down line, but for most part, when UFC offers me a fight, I say "yes" right away. Even this fight—when it came up, UFC just gave me a date and a location and promised it would be big. I said, "I’ll be re. I’ll be in shape. I’ll be prepared, and I’ll be rey to go."

Q. You have been here in UFC for over a dece now, how do you summarise your journey here and how did it change your life?

My persistence is what’s carried me through last twelve years in UFC. When it comes to my personal life, I’m very fortunate and blessed by opportunities UFC has presented me over years. It’s helped me change not just my son’s life, but my mor’s, my siblings’, and lives of everyone around me. I’ve been able to reap benefits of this career and also reach countless athletes, providing m with opportunities to help m achieve ir dreams. I’m grateful to be in a position where I’ve been blessed so much that I can give back to ors through my platform and earnings. It’s been a very privileged journey over last 12 years in UFC.

Q. UFC has changed a lot over years. What are some of biggest differences you’ve noticed in promotion and sport itself since you started fighting in it?

I feel very fortunate to have competed through different eras of UFC over past 12 years. I’m grateful for where company is today—it’s grown so much over past dece and beyond. UFC has changed people’s lives, including ir parents’ lives. One of things I’m truly grateful for is humility staff has kept over years. I’ve been working with some of se people for over 10 years, and y genuinely care about me, not just as a fighter, but as a person. y check in to see how I’m doing personally, how my kids are doing, how life is going. That’s something I really appreciate—it’s rare, and it makes me feel like my co-workers and comres care about me. I’m grateful for that.

Q. Who has been toughest opponent you’ve faced in your career, and what me that fight so difficult for you?

As for toughest opponents, I have to give tag to Hector Lombard. I remember when I first got that fight offer, I was telling my coach, "Hey, I’m fighting Hector Lombard." Not a single coach was re who wasn’t excited. y were all saying, "Interesting match-up, let’s see what we can do." Now, looking back, I realize how scary that guy was. Going out re and getting win over him is definitely one of my toughest challenges to date.

Q. How important is your family and support system in your journey as a fighter? How do y influence your performance and mindset?

Right now, my family is most important thing in my life and my career. se opportunities to compete are great, and it’s awesome to accomplish goals I set for myself over 20 years ago. But even more importantly, se opportunities allow me to provide for my family—not just financially, but with time this sport allows me to pour back into my kids. I’m fortunate that I don’t have to punch clock for 8, 10, or 12 hours a day to provide for m. I get to spend time with my boy and make sure he becomes best man possible. That’s my biggest motivator—knowing that I’m a d, and I can’t fail. People depend on me, and I won’t let m down.

*Watch UFC Fight Night - Magny vs. Prates on November 10,2024 LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu) from 5:30 AM IST. Sony Sports Network is official brocaster of UFC in India