History of Geoff Neal in Timeline

Geoff Neal is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)'s Welterweight division. Ranked #10 in his division as of March 12, 2024, he has established himself as a top contender.

August 28, 1990: Birth of Geoff Neal

Geoff Neal was born on August 28, 1990.

2010: Amateur MMA Debut

Geoff Neal made his amateur MMA debut in 2010, winning by knockout in the second round against Bobby Hernandez. He went on to have a successful amateur career, finishing with a record of 6 wins and 1 loss.

February 18, 2018: UFC Debut

Geoff Neal made his UFC debut on February 18, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Medeiros. He won the fight against Brian Camozzi by submission in the first round.

September 8, 2018: Victory over Frank Camacho

On September 8, 2018, at UFC 228, Geoff Neal secured a victory against Frank Camacho by knockout in the second round.

January 19, 2019: Victory over Belal Muhammad

Geoff Neal won against Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw on January 19, 2019.

July 27, 2019: Performance of the Night vs Niko Price

Geoff Neal's victory against Niko Price at UFC 240 on July 27, 2019 earned him the Performance of the Night award. He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.

December 14, 2019: Victory over Mike Perry

On December 14, 2019, Geoff Neal won against Mike Perry at UFC 245 via a technical knockout in the first round.

2019: Ten Years at Texas Roadhouse

Geoff Neal worked as a server at a Texas Roadhouse in Dallas for ten years, a career that lasted until late 2019, around the time of his fight with Mike Perry.

June 2020: Return to Texas Roadhouse

In June 2020, Geoff Neal returned to work as a server at Texas Roadhouse after facing difficulties in scheduling fights.

August 2020: Health Scare and Septic Shock

In August 2020, Geoff Neal experienced a serious health scare. He suffered from septic shock due to an unspecified infection, leading to congestive heart and kidney failure. This required him to be admitted to the intensive care unit.

August 29, 2020: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 175

Geoff Neal withdrew from his fight against Neil Magny at UFC Fight Night 175 on August 29, 2020, due to health issues. Robbie Lawler replaced him.

December 2020: Return to MMA after Health Scare

After recovering from a serious health issue, Geoff Neal returned to his mixed martial arts career in December 2020.

December 19, 2020: Loss to Stephen Thompson

On December 19, 2020, Geoff Neal faced Stephen Thompson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 183. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

May 8, 2021: Loss to Neil Magny

Geoff Neal lost to Neil Magny via unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN 24 on May 8, 2021.

November 25, 2021: Arrest

On November 25, 2021, Geoff Neal was arrested in Collin County, Texas, on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was later released on a $2,000 bond.

December 11, 2021: Victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio

Geoff Neal won a split decision victory against Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 269 on December 11, 2021. Ten out of fourteen media scores favored Neal.

August 6, 2022: Performance of the Night vs Vicente Luque

Geoff Neal won against Vicente Luque by knockout in the third round at UFC on ESPN 40 on August 6, 2022. This victory also earned him the Performance of the Night award.

January 14, 2023: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 217

Geoff Neal withdrew from his fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC Fight Night 217 scheduled for January 14, 2023, due to an undisclosed injury.

March 4, 2023: Catchweight Bout and Fight of the Night vs Shavkat Rakhmonov

Geoff Neal was scheduled to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023, after a previous cancellation. However, Neal missed weight by four pounds and the bout proceeded at catchweight. Despite losing the fight via submission in the third round, Neal's performance impressed UFC President Dana White, earning him a share of the Fight of the Night award.

August 19, 2023: Withdrawal from UFC 292

Geoff Neal withdrew from his scheduled bout against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 292 on August 19, 2023, citing health reasons. Neil Magny stepped in as his replacement.