When it seemed like there was no hope for him at UFC 297, Neil Magny showed the world that things aren’t always as they seem.
Dominated for nearly 14 minutes in enemy territory in Toronto, Magny turned the tables on surging Canadian prospect Mike Malott for a TKO at 4:45 of Round 3.
Mounted in Round 2, Magny was taken down early in Round 3. What seemed like was going to be a wash, rinse, and repeat decision for Malott reached an improbable climax. Magny stood up and shot for a takedown on Malott, who pulled for a guillotine.
Big mistake.
With less than two minutes left on the clock, Magny went to work from guard on top. He stood up and landed some ground-and-pound on the downed Malott, who attempted to grab hold of a leg for a kneebar.
Malott rolled in a torque attempt, and Magny gained a better position. He eventually shifted to side control – then mount. Much to the disbelief of those in attendance and those watching around the world, Magny swarmed Malott.
As Magny gained power and momentum, Malott faded. After dozens of ground-and-pound shots landed, referee Kevin MacDonald stepped in and waved off the fight.
Given the sheer improbability of the moment and the exertion of the rally, Magny’s UFC 297 win over Malott earns the 2024 MMA Junkie Comeback of the Year award.
Honorable Mentions
While these didn’t take the top spot for best comeback in 2024, check out other plot-twist victories that deserve recognition:
- Jack Hermansson def. Joe Pyfer – UFC Fight Night 236
- Brian Ortega def. Yair Rodriguez – UFC Fight Night 237
- Jack Della Maddalena def. Gilbert Burns – UFC 299
- Renato Moicano def. Jalin Turner – UFC 300
- Toshiomi Kazama def. Charalampos Grigoriou – UFC on ESPN 61
- Gerald Meerschaert def. Edmen Shahbazyan – UFC on ESPN 62
