As if Neil Magny's reputation as a comeback fighter wasn't extensive enough ...

Magny (31-13 MMA, 24-12 UFC) did it – again. This time, he defeated Jake Matthews (22-8 MMA, 15-8 UFC) by D'Arce choke at the 3:08 mark of Round 3 on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 260 at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

Magny was controlled for much of the bout leading up to the finish, but the fight-ending maneuver might be the second most-discussed submission of the bout. Controversy struck at the end of Round 1 when Matthews had Magny caught in a D'Arce of his own. With the clock winding down, approaching 0:00, referee Jim Perdios appeared to jump in and call off the fight with approximately 1 second left on the clock. The horn sounded as Magny protested the stoppage – saying he was not unconscious.

The fighters went back to their corners and Perdios ruled the bout had reached the end of the round. A replay shows a solid second after Perdios' contact and the horn. But the fight moved on. Matthews had success – and then became the next man on Magny's list of improbable comebacks and upsets.

With the win, Magny slides into sole possession of the No. 2 slot on the all-time UFC appearance leaderboard at 24. Only Jim Miller has fought more in the promotion (27). Magny, 38, has now won consecutive fights for the first time since 2020.

Matthews, 31, has a three-fight winning streak snapped with the loss.

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 260 results:

  • Neil Magny def. Jake Matthews via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 3, 3:08
  • Tom Nolan def. Charlie Campbell via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:08
  • Navajo Stirling def. Rodolfo Bellato via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Cam Rowston def. Andre Petroski via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:41
  • Jamie Mullarkey def. Rolando Bedoya via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Colby Thicknesse def. Josias Musasa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Michelle Montague def. Luana Carolina via unanimous decision (29-26, 30-25, 30-26)
  • Brando Pericic def. Elisha Ellison via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:55
  • Alexia Thainara def. Loma Lookboonmee via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Fight Night 260 video: Neil Magny pulls off another ridiculous comeback

Reporting by Nolan King, MMA Junkie / MMA Junkie

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