Chicago — It’s back in the pool, or at least back in the fight, for Geoff Neal this Saturday at UFC 319.
Neal (16-6) was previously booked against Carlos Prates, only to pull out and see Ian Machado Garry replace him. With Garry winning the fight, however, the UFC was able to match Geoff and Prates up once again.
“I was kind of disappointed. After I pulled out, he fought Ian Garry, and I was kind of disappointed because I was like ‘if he beats Ian Garry, I’m never going to get that fight back,'” recalled Neal, speaking to media outlets including Cageside Press during Wednesday’s UFC 319 media day. “But he lost, and now we’re fighting.”
“Once I get my mind set on fighting somebody, I want to go through with the fight,” he added. Neal has had to pull out of match-ups before, but always got those fights back on the books. “I’ve been thinking about beating you up for months, and now I don’t get to beat you up? Let’s do it sometime.”
Geoff Neal has stated previously that he’s preparing for a one-round fight on Saturday, believing that he can finish Prates inside of a round. He clarified on Wednesday that he is not overlooking, or underestimating, the Brazilian.
“He’s a good fighter, he’s a tough fighter,” he stated. Neal is by no means considering Prates a “trash fighter,” instead calling him “high-level,” but adding “I feel like I’ve got what it takes to take him out in the first round.”
Sean Brady has predicted a knockout finish from Geoff Neal this Saturday. Somewhat surprising, since the two are potential future opponents. “I appreciate it, but I’m going to knock Carlos out, and then he’s next,” stated Neal, before clarifying that nothing is set in stone. “I was thinking Leon Edwards after Carlos, but it’s where ever fate takes me.”
Watch the full UFC 319 media day appearance by welterweight Geoff Neal above. The card takes place this Saturday, August 16, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, IL.
