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Geoff Neal

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Geoff Neal
Neal at UFC 228 in 2018
BornGeoffrey Charles Neal[1]
(1990-08-28)August 28, 1990(age 34)
Austin, Texas,U.S.
Other namesHandz of Steel
ResidenceDallas, Texas,U.S.
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
Fighting out ofDallas, Texas, U.S.
TeamFortis MMA[2]
TrainerSayif Saud[2]
RankPurple belt inBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial artsrecord
Total21
Wins15
By knockout9
By submission2
By decision4
Losses6
By knockout1
By submission2
By decision3
Amateurrecord
Total7
Wins6
By knockout5
Losses1
Other information
UniversityTexas Lutheran
Mixed martial arts recordfromSherdog

Geoffrey Charles Neal(born August 28, 1990) is an American professionalmixed martial artist.He currently competes in theWelterweightdivision for theUltimate Fighting Championship(UFC). As of March 12, 2024, he is #10 in theUFC welterweight rankings.[4]

Background

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Neal was born inAustin, Texas,United States.[5]He played football atprivateuniversityTexas Lutheran.However, he did not like the football program there and transitioned to compete in MMA, coached under Sayif Saud.[2]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Neal made his amateur debut in 2010, a second-round win byknockoutagainst Bobby Hernandez. He competed in a total of 7 amateur matches, ending with a 6–1 amateur record. Before being signed by the UFC, Neal competed in a total of 10 mixed martial arts matches, winning 8 and losing 2 of them.[6]

Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series

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Neal appeared onDana White's Contender Series 3and faced Chase Waldon. He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round[7]and was signed by the UFC.[8]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Neal made his promotional debut on February 18, 2018, againstBrian CamozziatUFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Medeiros.[9]He won the bout via submission in the first round.[10]

Neal next facedFrank Camachoon September 8, 2018, atUFC 228.[11]He won the fight via knockout in the second round.[12]

Neal facedBelal Muhammadon January 19, 2019, atUFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw.[13]He won the fight by unanimous decision.[14]

Neal facedNiko Priceon July 27, 2019, atUFC 240.[15]He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.[16]This fight earned him thePerformance of the Nightaward.[17]

Neal facedMike Perryon December 14, 2019, atUFC 245.[18]He won the fight via first-round technical knockout.[19]

Neal was expected to faceNeil Magnyon August 29, 2020, atUFC Fight Night 175.[20]However, Neal withdrew from the event due to health issues and he was replaced byRobbie Lawler.[21]

Neal facedStephen Thompsonon December 19, 2020, in the headliner ofUFC Fight Night 183.[22]He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[23]

Neal facedNeil MagnyatUFC on ESPN 24on May 8, 2021.[24]He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[25]

Neal facedSantiago Ponzinibbioon December 11, 2021, atUFC 269.[26]He won the back-and-forth bout via split decision.[27]10 out of 14 media scores gave it to Neal.[28]

Neal facedVicente Luqueon August 6, 2022, atUFC on ESPN 40.[29]He won the fight via knockout in round three.[30]This win earned him thePerformance of the Nightaward.[31]

Neal was scheduled to faceShavkat Rakhmonovon January 14, 2023, atUFC Fight Night 217.[32]However, on December 29, Neal pulled out due to undisclosed injury.[33]The pair was rescheduled forUFC 285on March 4, 2023.[34]At the weigh-ins on March 3, Neal weighed in at 175 pounds, 4 pounds over the non-title welterweight limit. As a result, the bout proceeded as acatchweightand Neal was fined 30% of his fight purse, which went to Rakhmonov.[35]He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round.[36]Despite his failure to make weight, UFC presidentDana Whitewas so pleased with the fight and impressed with Neal's outing that Neal still received his share of theFight of the Nightaward.[37]

Neal was scheduled to faceIan Machado GarryatUFC 292on August 19, 2023.[38]However, Neal withdrew due to undisclosed health reasons,[39]and was replaced byNeil Magny.[40]A bout with Garry was rescheduled and took place on February 17, 2024, atUFC 298.[41]Neal lost in a competitive bout by split decision.[42]

Neal is scheduled to faceRafael dos Anjoson October 26, 2024, atUFC 308.[43]

Championships and accomplishments

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Personal life

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Neal worked as aserverat aTexas Roadhousein Dallas for ten years until his fight with Mike Perry in late 2019.[45][46][47]In June 2020, Neal revealed he had returned to his job as a server after failing to get fights scheduled.[48]

In August 2020, Neal revealed he went intoseptic shockafter suffering from an unspecified infection. Neal was admitted to theintensive care unitwhere it was determined he was also experiencingcongestive heartandkidney failure.After taking some time to recover, Neal resumed his mixed martial arts career in December 2020.[49]

On November 25, 2021, Neal was arrested inCollin County, Texason charges ofdriving under the influenceand unlawful possession of a firearm, twomisdemeanors.He was later released from jail on $2,000 bond.[50]

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
21 matches 15 wins 6 losses
By knockout 9 1
By submission 2 2
By decision 4 3
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 15–6 Ian Machado Garry Decision (split) UFC 298 February 17, 2024 3 5:00 Anaheim,California,United States
Loss 15–5 Shavkat Rakhmonov Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 285 March 4, 2023 3 4:17 Las Vegas, Nevada,United States Catchweight (175 lb) bout; Neal missed weight. Fight of the Night.
Win 15–4 Vicente Luque KO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Hill August 6, 2022 3 2:01 Las Vegas, Nevada,United States Performance of the Night.
Win 14–4 Santiago Ponzinibbio Decision (split) UFC 269 December 11, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada,United States
Loss 13–4 Neil Magny Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Rodriguez vs. Waterson May 8, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada,United States
Loss 13–3 Stephen Thompson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal December 19, 2020 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada,United States
Win 13–2 Mike Perry TKO (head kick and punches) UFC 245 December 14, 2019 1 1:30 Las Vegas, Nevada,United States
Win 12–2 Niko Price TKO (punches) UFC 240 July 27, 2019 2 2:39 Edmonton, Alberta,Canada Performance of the Night.
Win 11–2 Belal Muhammad Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw January 19, 2019 3 5:00 Brooklyn,New York,United States
Win 10–2 Frank Camacho KO (head kick) UFC 228 September 8, 2018 2 1:23 Dallas, Texas,United States
Win 9–2 Brian Camozzi Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Medeiros February 18, 2018 1 2:48 Austin, Texas,United States
Win 8–2 Chase Waldon TKO (punches) Dana White's Contender Series 3 July 25, 2017 1 1:56 Las Vegas, Nevada,United States Middleweight bout.
Win 7–2 Bilal Williams TKO (punches) LFA 16 July 14, 2017 1 4:43 Dallas, Texas,United States
Loss 6–2 Kevin Holland TKO (punches) Xtreme Knockout 34 January 28, 2017 3 3:50 Dallas, Texas,United States For the vacant XKO Middleweight Championship.
Win 6–1 Ty Flores TKO (punches) Rumble Time Promotions: Rage October 23, 2015 1 3:58 St. Charles, Missouri,United States
Win 5–1 Charlie Ontiveros TKO (retirement) Legacy FC 37 November 14, 2014 2 5:00 Houston, Texas,United States Catchweight (172 lb) bout; Neal missed weight.
Win 4–1 Christopher Anthony Decision (unanimous) Legacy FC 32 June 20, 2014 3 5:00 Bossier City, Louisiana,United States
Win 3–1 Armando Servin Decision (unanimous) Xtreme Knockout 19 August 17, 2013 3 3:00 Dallas, Texas,United States
Loss 2–1 Martin Sano Submission (rear-naked choke) 24/7 Entertainment 9 April 19, 2013 3 1:25 Odessa, Texas,United States Return to Welterweight; Neal missed weight (172 lb).
Win 2–0 Zack Board TKO (punches) Xtreme Knockout 17 January 12, 2013 2 1:46 Arlington, Texas,United States Middleweight debut.
Win 1–0 David McAfee Submission (rear-naked choke) Xtreme Combat Productions: Blood & Glory August 25, 2012 1 2:15 Robstown, Texas,United States Welterweight debut.

[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^"Fighters Rec | Geoff Neal".fightersrec.Retrieved2024-08-18.
  2. ^abcGolden, Cedric."Golden: Restaurant by day, UFC by night suits Geoff Neal fine — for now".Austin American-Statesman.Retrieved2019-06-29.
  3. ^"Geoff Neal | UFC".UFC.com.RetrievedJune 6,2021.
  4. ^"UFC Rankings | UFC.com".www.ufc.com.Retrieved2024-03-12.
  5. ^"Geoff Neal".UFC.14 September 2018.Retrieved1 May2019.
  6. ^ab"Geoff" Handz of Steel "Neal MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography".Sherdog.Retrieved1 May2019.
  7. ^Baldwin, Nick (2017-07-25)."Contender Series results: Roberson finishes Spann in 15 seconds".Bloody Elbow.Retrieved2019-06-29.
  8. ^Segura, Danny (2017-07-25)."DWTNCS 3 results: Karl Roberson, Geoffrey Neal earn UFC contracts after quick finishes".MMA Fighting.Retrieved2019-06-29.
  9. ^"Contender Series's Geoff Neal Set to Make UFC Debut Against Brian Camozzi in Austin - MMA Today".MMA Today.2017-12-28. Archived fromthe originalon 2017-12-29.Retrieved2017-12-29.
  10. ^"UFC Fight Night 126 results: Geoff Neal has 'Handz of Steel' vs. Brian Camozzi, but choke that's real".MMAjunkie.2018-02-19.Retrieved2018-02-19.
  11. ^Mark Francescutti (2018-07-18)."UFC 228 in Dallas bouts revealed".sportsday.dallasnews.com.Archived fromthe originalon 2019-05-17.Retrieved2018-07-18.
  12. ^"UFC 228 results: Geoff Neal scores vicious high-kick finish of Frank Camacho".MMAjunkie.2018-09-09.Retrieved2018-09-09.
  13. ^Mark La Monica (2018-11-06)."UFC on ESPN+ in Brooklyn gets its first scheduled bout".newsday.com.Retrieved2018-11-06.
  14. ^Dave Doyle (2019-01-19)."UFC Brooklyn results: Geoff Neal scores impressive win over Belal Muhammad".mmafighting.com.Retrieved2019-01-21.
  15. ^Farah Hannoun (2018-06-26)."Geoff Neal to fight Niko Price at UFC 240 in Edmonton".mmajunkie.com.Retrieved2019-06-26.
  16. ^Evanoff, Josh (2019-07-27)."UFC 240 Results: Geoff Neal Finishes Niko Price".Cageside Press.Retrieved2019-07-28.
  17. ^abHiergesell, Dan (2019-07-28)."UFC 240 Bonuses! Neal's Vicious TKO Finish Leads $50K Winners".MMAmania.com.Retrieved2019-07-28.
  18. ^Cruz, Guilherme (2019-10-31)."Mike Perry vs. Geoff Neal booked for UFC 245 in December".MMA Fighting.Retrieved2019-11-06.
  19. ^Anderson, Jay (15 December 2019)."UFC 245 Results: Geoff Neal Takes Just 90 Seconds to Stop Mike Perry".Cageside Press.Retrieved15 December2019.
  20. ^DNA, MMA (2020-08-07)."Geoff Neal treft Neil Magny tijdens UFC evenement op 29 augustus".MMA DNA.Retrieved2020-08-07.
  21. ^DNA, MMA (2020-08-10)."BREAKING: UFC werkt aan partij tussen Robbie Lawler en Neil Magny voor 29 augustus".MMA DNA.Retrieved2020-08-10.
  22. ^"Stephen Thompson vs. Geoff Neal in the works for UFC on ESPN+ 44 on Dec. 19".MMA Junkie.2020-11-04.Retrieved2020-11-07.
  23. ^Doherty, Dan (2020-12-19)."UFC Vegas 17 Results: Stephen Thompson Dominates Geoff Neal With Expert Striking".Cageside Press.Retrieved2020-12-20.
  24. ^Brett Okamoto (April 7, 2021)."Sources: UFC finalizing Neil Magny, Geoff Neal matchup in May".ESPN.RetrievedApril 7,2021.
  25. ^Doherty, Dan (2021-05-08)."UFC Vegas 26 Results: Neil Magny Comes On Strong, Gets By Geoff Neal".Cageside Press.Retrieved2021-05-09.
  26. ^"Geoff Neal vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio added to stacked UFC 269 lineup".MMA Junkie.2021-10-12.Retrieved2021-10-12.
  27. ^Gibbons, Justin (2021-12-11)."Geoff Neal Earns Split Decision Victory Over Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 269".Cageside Press.Retrieved2021-12-13.
  28. ^"Geoff Neal def. Santiago Ponzinibbio:: UFC 269:: MMA Decisions".mmadecisions.com.Retrieved2021-12-13.
  29. ^Matthew Wells and Nolan King (2022-05-12)."Vicente Luque set to meet Geoff Neal at UFC Fight Night on Aug. 6".mmajunkie.usatoday.com.Retrieved2022-05-12.
  30. ^McClory, Mike (2022-08-07)."UFC Vegas 59: Geoff Neal Puts Away Tough-As-Nails Vicente Luque in Third".Cageside Press.Retrieved2022-08-07.
  31. ^ab"UFC on ESPN 40 bonuses: Jamahal Hill vs. Thiago Santos main event war among 5 total winners".MMA Junkie.2022-08-07.Retrieved2022-08-07.
  32. ^Sherdog.com."Welterweights Geoff Neal, Shavkat Rakhmonov to Clash at UFC Fight Night on Jan. 14".Sherdog.Retrieved2022-10-10.
  33. ^"Geoff Neal injured, out of UFC Fight Night 217 matchup against Shavkat Rakhmonov".MMA Junkie.2022-12-29.Retrieved2022-12-29.
  34. ^Mike Bohn (2023-01-04)."Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov rescheduled for UFC 285 in March".mmajunkie.usatoday.com.Retrieved2023-01-04.
  35. ^MMA Junkie Staff (March 3, 2023)."UFC 285 weigh-in results: Title fights set, but two come in heavy in Las Vegas".MMA Junkie.RetrievedMarch 3,2023.
  36. ^Dylan Rush (2023-03-04)."UFC 285: Shavkat Rakhmonov batters, chokes out game Geoff Neal in toughest test yet".Cageside Press.Retrieved2023-03-04.
  37. ^ab"UFC 285 bonuses: New champs among $50,000 winners in Las Vegas".mmajunkie.usatoday.com.2023-03-05.Retrieved2023-03-05.
  38. ^Peter Carroll (14 June 2023)."Exclusive Ian Machado Garry to face Geoff Neal at UFC 292 in Boston".RTÉ.ie.
  39. ^Mike Bohn (2023-08-09)."Geoff Neal out of UFC 292 fight vs. Ian Machado Garry in Boston".mmajunkie.usatoday.com.Retrieved2023-08-09.
  40. ^Mike Bohn (2023-08-09)."Neil Magny replaces Geoff Neal, meets Ian Machado Garry on short notice at UFC 292".mmajunkie.usatoday.com.Retrieved2023-08-09.
  41. ^Mike Bohn (2023-12-21)."Ian Garry vs. Geoff Neal shifted from Miami to UFC 298 in Anaheim".MMAJunkie.com.Retrieved2023-12-22.
  42. ^Nate Wilcox (2024-02-18)."UFC 298: Ian Machado Garry draws boos in win over Geoff Neal".Bloody Elbow.Retrieved2024-02-18.
  43. ^Mike Bohn (2024-08-04)."Rafael dos Anjos vs. Geoff Neal added to stacked UFC 308 lineup in Abu Dhabi".mmajunkie.usatoday.com.Retrieved2024-08-04.
  44. ^Nolan King (January 4, 2020)."MMA Junkie's 2019 'Under-the-Radar Fighter of the Year': Geoff Neal".mmajunkie.com.
  45. ^Morgan, John (17 January 2019)."UFC's Geoff Neal won't quit server job until he's got $1 million in the bank".MMAJunkie.Retrieved1 May2019.
  46. ^"Geoff Neal (" Handz of Steel ") | MMA Fighter Page".Tapology.Retrieved1 May2019.
  47. ^Damon Martin (December 13, 2019)."Geoff Neal finally quit his job as a server, now he's solely focused on conquering the UFC's best".mmafighting.com.
  48. ^Fernando Quiles Jr. (June 23, 2020)."Geoff Neal Not Happy With UFC Layoff, Returns To Second Job".MMANews.com.
  49. ^Farah Hannoun, Mike John (August 19, 2020)."UFC's Geoff Neal shares frightening details of going into septic shock due to infection".MMA Junkie.RetrievedAugust 12,2022.
  50. ^Steven Marrocco (December 2, 2021)."Geoff Neal faces misdemeanor DUI, gun charge after Thanksgiving day arrest".MMAFighting.com.RetrievedDecember 2,2021.
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