UFC Fight Night ‘Brown vs. Silva’ Preview

---

Welterweights

Neil Magny (9-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Tim Means (20-5-1, 2-2 UFC)

The Matchup: Means’ initial UFC release -- he was very competitive in losses to respected veterans Jorge Masvidal and Danny Castillo -- appeared to be a somewhat questionable move, especially considering the promotion’s need for talent to fill its ambitious itinerary.

However, Means did miss weight for his UFC on Fox 8 encounter with Castillo, and that, coupled with a loss, can often be a recipe for a pink slip. Means has since moved to welterweight, a move which should better suit his frame. In two bouts outside the Octagon, “The Dirty Bird” laid waste to Pete Spratt and Artenas Young in a combined 4:02 under the Legacy Fighting Championship banner.

Magny, meanwhile, showed improvements in his all-around game by taking a unanimous verdict over Gasan Umalatov in his most recent outing at UFC 169. A member of the largely forgettable cast of “The Ultimate Fighter 16,” Magny’s height, reach and relative youth -- he is 26 -- make him an intriguing talent, especially if he can continue to progress.

The height and reach advantages enjoyed by Means in his first four UFC bouts will not be present here. Magny is an inch taller and also owns a six-inch edge in reach. Working in Means’ favor is the fact that Magny has shown the inclination to keep the majority of his fights standing thus far. However, Magny is competent with his wrestling, averaging slightly more than two takedowns per 15 minutes, according to FightMetric.com.

Means’ Achilles’ heel thus far has been takedown defense. On the feet, he can be a nightmare, attacking from a southpaw stance with unorthodox boxing combinations, lead knees and standing elbows. Castillo and Masvidal exploited his inability to stay upright, landing six takedowns apiece in their respective triumphs over the Fit NHB representative.

Magny could have that in the back of his mind if he finds the going too treacherous in exchanges. The reality show veteran normally does a good job of staying long with his punches and has gotten better at navigating the clinch, but Means is superior when it comes to landing potentially momentum-changing blows in close quarters.

The Pick: Means may need a little time to get comfortable taking on a longer, taller foe, but once he does, fireworks could ensue. Means wins by decision or late TKO.

Next Fight » Soa Palelei vs. Ruan Potts