The upcoming UFC 298 features an intriguing welterweight bout between Geoff Neal and Ian Garry.
Ian Garry Geoff Neal
“Hands of Steel” Neal, with a record of 15-5, looks to rebound from a submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 285. Known for his powerful striking and performance of the night knockout over Vicente Luque, Neal aims to prove his standing within the top 10 of the welterweight division. Neal’s fighting style is characterized by his proficiency in boxing, complemented by body kicks and takedown attempts, and his potent straight left hand as a southpaw.
Ian Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry, on the other hand, enters the octagon undefeated with a record of 13-0, having notched a vintage knockout over Daniel Rodriguez and a dominant performance against Neil Magny at UFC 292. Garry, known for his range, movement, and speed, utilizes his leg kicks effectively and has shown improvements in head movement. At 26 years old, the orthodox fighter stands 6’3″ with a 74″ reach, bringing a striking accuracy of 56% and landing approximately 6.67 significant strikes per minute. He has been compared to the likeness of Conor Mcgregor, due to his brash, Irish nature. Garry continues to rile fans up, and whether you love him or hate him, he is creating a buzz for fans to watch his fights.
This matchup is expected to be a striking battle of high calibre, with Neal’s compact power pitted against Garry’s speed and accuracy from range. While Neal’s performance against Luque highlighted his potential, Garry’s victory over Magny showcased his capability to control fights. Despite Neal’s threat with his power, Garry’s movement and tactical approach could be key over three rounds.
What Unfolded at UFC 298
Despite all the trash talk leading into UFC 298, Geoff Neal and Ian Garry both respected one another’s skill-set in the opening round. A little bit of a feeling out process with Garry trying to set up and utilize his feints. Meanwhile, Neal chased Garry down and really started to target Garry’s lead-leg. Neal opted to take the fight to the fence, and use his strength to keep Garry on the fence for a minute, but no damage was done. Both men had success towards the end of the round picking and landing their own shots.
In the second, Neal continued to press the pace and clinch against the fence from the opening minute. Again Garry was able to get out of a tricky position and get back to the centre and showcase his full arsenal of strikes, but nothing significant was landed. As Neal pressured forward, just like the first, Garry was able to find success with knee’s right up the middle. The second round closes and the fight could be anyone’s.
The forward momentum meant Neal would clinch against the fence again in the third, which is greeted with boo’s by the fans. The Irishman’s output has ramped up in, and he’s the more active fighter in the third, landing kicks to the body, knee’s up the middle, and his jab is finding his mark. With thirty-seconds left Neal clinches against the fence again, seemingly under the impression he’s won the fight.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
