Geoff Neal Weight Gain Before and After, Did Geoff Neal Gain Weight?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Feb 28, 2024
Geoff Neal Weight Gain Before and After
Geoff Neal's weight gain ahead of UFC 298 has drawn attention, with the California State Athletic Commission revealing that he experienced a substantial increase between the weigh-in and fight night.
Initially weighing in at 170.5 pounds, Neal displayed an impressive performance by gaining a notable 30.3 pounds, representing 18 percent of his body weight, before facing Ian Machado Garry in the welterweight bout. This considerable weight gain is significant, even in a sport where fighters often manipulate their weight to gain a size advantage over opponents.
The California commission's focus on monitoring weight gain aims to address extreme weight cutting in the sport. Neal's substantial increase raises questions about the impact of such practices on fighters' performance and well-being.
Despite the significant weight gain, it's worth noting that Neal's opponent, Ian Machado Garry, managed a comparatively lower increase of 10.1 pounds, securing a unanimous decision victory in the fight. This information sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding weight management in MMA and the potential implications for fighters in different weight classes.
Who is Geoff Neal?
Geoff Neal is an accomplished American professional mixed martial artist specializing in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his exceptional skills and prowess inside the octagon, Neal has established himself as a formidable force in the welterweight category. With a track record of impressive performances, he has climbed the UFC rankings, currently holding the #9 spot as of February 20, 2024.
In the highly competitive world of mixed martial arts, Geoff Neal's journey has been marked by dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His presence in the welterweight division showcases a combination of technical mastery and strategic brilliance, making him a respected figure among his peers and a fan favorite.
As he continues to make his mark in the UFC, Geoff Neal's career is a testament to his commitment to the sport and his aspiration to reach the pinnacle of success in the world of mixed martial arts.
Specifications
Details
Name
Geoff Neal
Born
August 28, 1990
Born Place
Austin, Texas, U.S.
Age
33
Other names
Handz of Steel
Residence
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Height
5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Reach
75 in (191 cm)
Fighting out of
Harker Heights, Texas, U.S.
Team
Fortis MMA
Trainer
Sayif Saud
Rank
Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active
2012–present
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Geoff Neal Career
Geoff Neal embarked on his MMA journey with an amateur debut in 2010, securing a second-round knockout against Bobby Hernandez. Throughout his amateur career, Neal exhibited remarkable skills, ending with a stellar 6–1 record in seven matches. Before joining the UFC, he amassed a total of 10 mixed martial arts bouts, clinching victories in 8 of them.
The breakthrough in Neal's career came when he appeared on Dana White's Contender Series 3, defeating Chase Waldon via technical knockout in the first round, leading to his signing with the UFC. He made his promotional debut on February 18, 2018, with a submission victory against Brian Camozzi. Subsequent wins over Frank Camacho, Belal Muhammad, and Niko Price solidified his presence in the UFC welterweight division.
Noteworthy triumphs include a first-round technical knockout against Mike Perry at UFC 245 and a Performance of the Night-earning victory over Vicente Luque at UFC on ESPN 40. Despite setbacks, such as a unanimous decision loss to Stephen Thompson and Neil Magny, Neal showcased resilience with a split decision win against Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 269.
However, challenges persisted, with a missed weight cut against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 285, leading to a loss via submission. Neal's determination remained evident as he received Fight of the Night honors despite the setback.
His career continued with scheduled matchups, but unforeseen health issues forced withdrawals from bouts against Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry in 2023, with the latter resulting in a split decision loss in February 2024 at UFC 298. Despite the challenges, Neal's journey reflects a mix of triumphs, setbacks, and a resilient spirit in the competitive world of MMA.
Geoff Neal Personal Life
Geoff Neal, a native of Austin, Texas, initially pursued a career in football while attending Texas Lutheran University. However, dissatisfied with the football program, Neal made a significant transition to the world of mixed martial arts under the coaching of Sayif Saud. Notably, he worked as a server at a Texas Roadhouse in Dallas for a decade until late 2019, showcasing his commitment and hard work outside the octagon.
In June 2020, facing challenges in getting fights scheduled, Neal returned to his job as a server. However, the following August brought a health scare as he went into septic shock due to an unspecified infection. Admitted to the intensive care unit, it was revealed that Neal was also experiencing congestive heart and kidney failure. Despite the severity of the situation, Neal made a remarkable recovery and resumed his MMA career in December 2020.
While Neal has kept his personal life relatively private, it's known that he is married and has an adorable baby daughter named Ahni Rae, who is six years old. Although the details about his wife remain undisclosed to the public, Neal's dedication to his family and his resilience in overcoming health challenges provide a glimpse into the personal side of this talented mixed martial artist.
Geoff Neal Net Worth
Geoff Neal Net Worth is $1.5 million. His primary source of income is derived from his successful career as a professional mixed martial artist in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Competing in one of the world's premier MMA organizations, Neal earns income through fight purses, performance bonuses, and various incentives provided by the UFC based on his performance in the octagon. Notably, his victories and high-profile fights contribute to his financial success, with the potential for increased earnings as he climbs the ranks in the welterweight division.
In addition to his earnings from the UFC, Neal has worked as a server at a Texas Roadhouse in Dallas for a significant portion of his career. This job served as a secondary source of income, highlighting Neal's work ethic and determination to support himself outside of the fighting arena.
While balancing his career in the service industry and his pursuit of excellence in MMA, Neal has showcased resilience and dedication, ensuring a stable financial foundation through both his fighting career and his commitment to hard work outside of the octagon.
Did Geoff Neal Gain Weight?
Geoff Neal experienced a substantial weight gain between the weigh-in and fight night at UFC 298. Initially tipping the scales at 170.5 pounds, Neal gained an impressive 30.3 pounds, representing 18 percent of his body weight before facing Ian Machado Garry in the welterweight bout. This significant increase raises questions about the impact of weight manipulation in MMA and its potential effects on a fighter's performance.
While fighters often adjust their weight for strategic advantages, the extent of Neal's gain draws attention to the broader discussion on weight cutting practices in the sport. The California State Athletic Commission monitors such changes to address extreme weight cutting, emphasizing the need for responsible weight management in mixed martial arts.
Geoff Neal Weight Gain Before and After - FAQs
Fighters often manipulate their weight to gain advantages in size and strength. Neal's weight gain was likely a strategic move to enhance his physical attributes for the bout.
Geoff Neal gained an impressive 30.3 pounds, representing 18 percent of his body weight, between the weigh-in and the actual fight at UFC 298.
While weight manipulation can influence performance, the direct impact on Neal's performance remains subjective. However, his opponent, Ian Machado Garry, secured a unanimous decision victory.
Yes, the California State Athletic Commission monitors weight gain to address concerns about extreme weight cutting, emphasizing the need for responsible practices in the sport.
Yes, several fighters, including Ilia Topuria, Alexander Volkanovski, Paulo Costa, and Merab Dvalishvili, experienced notable weight increases, contributing to ongoing discussions about weight management in MMA.