Top Notch Grapplers Phil Davis and Vinny Magalhaes Face off at UFC 159
Former Penn State wrestler Phil Davis will be taking on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Vinny Magalhaes this Saturday April 27th at UFC 159 in what is sure to be a great bout between two talented ground fighters.
Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (10-1) has shown his ability to win in the Octagon by submitting high level opponents for the tap out, or by looking good enough in the ring to get the judge’s decision. With wins over Brian Stann, Alexander Gustafsson, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueria, Davis is a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division. Davis also may have been one win away from a title shot, but a big defeat at the hands of Rashad Evans knocked him back down the UFC ladder. Now with a win over Wagner Prado under his belt, Davis is hoping to climb back to the top once again by defeating Vinny Magalhaes.
Vinny Magalhaes (11-5) is a 2nd degree Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt under Royler Gracie. Magalhaes was released from the UFC following back to back losses from Ryan Bader and Eliot Marshall, but has since proven himself by going on a six fight win streak, including a submission over Igor Pokrajac in his Octagon return. Magalhaes is looking to prove that he is a high level contender in the light heavyweight division by beating a top 10 fighter like Davis.
Despite what you might think by looking at their records, this should actually be an interesting display of ground fighting at its finest. Magalhaes has a rather poor record of 1-2 in the Octagon, and one would expect a rather easy fight for Davis on paper. But Magalhaes has been fixing the holes in his stand up (two of his last six wins are from knockouts) and has continued to show his dominance in the ground game (four of his last six wins are by submission). Davis is a dominating wrestler and can bully most opponents for three rounds or get the submission, whichever comes first.
These two fighters should embody the age-old question of who is better: an elite wrestler or an elite BJJ fighter. No doubt hardcore MMA fans have picked their sides. All that’s left is to start the fight and watch them roll.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Mixed Martial Arts Rocks! I've been a fan of fighting since I was in my mother’s womb. I came into this world fighting and I’ll no doubt leave it fighting. I studied martial arts under my father since before I could walk and have been in love with all aspects of hand to hand fighting ever since. I studied martial arts under my father who was a brown belt in Judo and Karate, blended with his own style of street fighting, since before I could walk. When I finally found out there was something out there more than boxing I knew I’d become addicted. Watching and talking about all things MMA is something I do anyway, so writing just seems like the next natural step. I currently train at Rilion Gracie Jujitsu Academy, where I welcome all comers (as I am currently a white belt. With one stripe).Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
