Anaheim, CA – Geoff Neal will finally get his long awaited fight with Ian Machado Garry, this coming weekend at UFC 298.
“Handz of Steel” was originally scheduled to fight the undefeated Irishman back in August of last year, but had to withdraw from the bout.
At the UFC 298 media day, the 33-year-old said he feels the best he’s felt in years, ahead of this grudge match with Garry.
“I’m feeling great. I had some health issues but this is the best I’ve felt in years, ever since that sepsis thing happened and I’ve just been dealing with ups and downs, I feel great one month and then the next I just crash, but right now I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time.”
Despite their differences in the past, Neal shared some respectful words for Garry’s skillset, but admitted on fight week he’s ‘cold’ and has no emotion towards his opponent.
“He’s a solid fighter, he’s in the top 10 for a reason so I’m going to treat him as such and he has a different style than a lot of other dudes, but I’m prepared and I’m ready for it.
“During fight week I’m cold, I don’t have any emotion right now I’m just going to hop in that cage and do what I do.”
Prior to his loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Neal was riding a two fight win streak with wins over both Ponzinibbio and Luque, and was edging closer to a title fight. That is still the goal for the Fortis MMA fighter, and he believes he could see that all culminate this year.
“I usually don’t like thinking too far ahead but realistically I win this fight in spectacular fashion, one or two more fights then the belt. I could probably knock that out by the end of the year.”
Watch the full UFC 298 media day appearance from Geoff Neal above.
