MMA Match Preview: Geoff Neal (16-6) vs. Carlos Prates (21-7)

Fight Details

Attribute	Info
Event	UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
Matchup	Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
Division	Welterweight (170 lbs)
Date	Saturday, August 16, 2025
Venue	United Center, Chicago, IL
Broadcast	ESPN+, Pay-Per-View
Bout Placement	Co-Main Event

Fighter Breakdown

Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal

Record: 16–6 (8–4 UFC)

Age: 34

Height/Reach: 5’11” / 75″

Recent Form: Returning after injury withdrawal from UFC 314

Style: Aggressive striker with high-volume combinations

Key Traits:

KO power in both hands

Durable and experienced against top-10 opponents

Prefers to pressure and overwhelm early

Carlos “The Nightmare” Prates

Record: 21–7 (4–1 UFC)

Age: 30

Height/Reach: 6’1″ / 76″

Recent Form: Loss to Ian Machado Garry (UFC on ESPN 66)

Style: Explosive striker with Muay Thai base

Key Traits:

Devastating knees and body kicks

High finishing rate (18 career KOs)

Can struggle with defensive grappling under pressure

Tactical Preview

Neal’s Path to Victory:

Push pace early and test Prates’ chin

Mix in level changes to disrupt rhythm

Avoid standing in kicking range

Prates’ Path to Victory:

Use reach and kicks to keep Neal at bay

Counter Neal’s forward pressure with knees and elbows

Stay off the cage and avoid clinch exchanges

“There is no reason this fight should go past Round 1,” Neal said. “I’m training for three rounds, but I’m really training for a one-round fight”.

Rankings & Implications

Fighter	Welterweight Rank (Global)
Geoff Neal	#10
Carlos Prates	#22

A win for Neal reaffirms his top-10 status and sets up a potential bout with a ranked contender

A win for Prates would be a breakout moment and could earn him a top-15 opponent next