This is the UFC 319 live blog for Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates, the main card welterweight bout Saturday at United Center in Chicago.
Neal (16-6), is currently No. 11 at 170 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. “Handz of Steel” is 3-2 in his past five fights and seeks another strong performance after defeating Rafael dos Anjos in a bout that Neal largely dominated before dos Anjos was felled by a knee injury. Ten of his sixteen pro wins have come by way of knockout, making him an ideal dance partner for the exciting Prates.
Coming off of his first UFC loss, Prates (21-7) remains one of the most intriguing challengers in the welterweight division. Prates stormed up the rankings with four Performance of the Night-winning performances to begin his UFC career, but fell short against Ian Machado Garry in a headlining bout this past April. If Prates can KO the sturdy Neal, he’ll find himself right back in the title conversation.
Check out the UFC 319 live blog for Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates below.
Round 1: Jason Herzog on hand to referee this one. Neal utilizing low kicks early, Prates answers with his own. Nice left over the top by Neal. Hard outside leg kick from Prates scores. Neal catches a kick and lands a couple of punches. Prates stings him with a fast jab. Prates flicking out leg kicks as he circles. Neal sneaks in a left. Another good left from Neal from long distance. Prates fires back with a 1-2 combo. Neal pressuring with punches. Prates blasts him with a knee to the body. Flashy high kick from Prates, but Neal had that scouted. Prates his teal with a right hand. He’s aiming straight punches down the pipe. Hard left from Prates, he’s closing the round strong. Neal goes for takedown off a Prates knee, but they end up against the fence. Two clean punches land for Prates. Spinning back elbow by Prates at the buzzer and NEAL IS OUT. WHAT THE FFFFFFFFFF—
Official result: Carlos Prates def. Geoff Neal via KO (spinning back elbow) (R1, 4:59)
Prates points to Dana White at cageside and asks him to get a fight in Rio de Janeiro. He also asks for his teammate to be signed and for a $50K bonus.
And according to Rogan, White just told him he’s getting Rio and the bonus! Now that is some fine mic work.
Prates wants Leon Edwards next. Will he go three for three on wishes being granted? What a night for him.