Geoff Neal faced Carlos Prates at UFC 319 on Saturday in Chicago after their bout was postponed from April. Neal was seconds away from resting in his corner before the second round when Prates landed a spinning back elbow that ended the fight abruptly. Despite the defeat, Neal approached the outcome with humor, easing tensions among fans following the unexpected finish.
Neal’s Lighthearted Response Following the Fight
Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, Neal joked about the finish and acknowledged Prates’ skill. He wrote,
“Man, he didn’t even hit me 4real,”
and added,
“I slipped and the ref stepped in too early. This some bullshit! Lol nah, seriously good shit from [Carlos Prates]. Still in good spirits. Gonna be back in the gym Monday getting ready for the next one. Thanks for all the love.”
This candid and amusing statement highlighted Neal’s resilience and positive mindset despite the loss.
Recent Performance and Career Context for Geoff Neal
Neal has faced difficulties recently, holding a 1-3 record in his last four bouts. Before this fight, he had lost twice in succession to Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, but managed to secure a win against Rafael dos Anjos due to an injury suffered by dos Anjos during their match. Even with recent setbacks, Neal’s 10 knockouts out of 16 professional wins continue to make him a formidable competitor in the welterweight division.
Outlook for Neal’s Future in the Welterweight Division
Despite these challenges, Neal remains a threat to rising contenders and veterans alike. It is yet unknown if UFC matchmakers will schedule his next fight against a fast-ascending opponent or a lower-ranked welterweight. Assuming his health remains intact, Neal is likely to return to competition before the end of 2025, aiming to demonstrate that he still has much to offer inside the Octagon after his last win in October 2024.
What Comes Next for Geoff Neal
With a mix of reflection and determination, Neal prepares to regroup and chase more victories. His recent bouts against top-tier welterweights have tested him, but they also underline the level he continues to compete at. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Neal responds to this setback and who the UFC will match him with next as he seeks to rebound from his Carlos Prates UFC 319 defeat.