Pros react after Ian Machado Garry defeats Geoff Neal at UFC 298

Tonight’s UFC 298 main card featured a highly anticipated welterweight bout between Ian Machado Garry and Geoff Neal.

Garry (14-0 MMA) had entered the contest sporting a perfect professional record, his most recent victory coming over Neil Magny by unanimous decision at UFC 292. The Irish standout had gone 6-0 inside of the Octagon ahead of tonight’s affair, a streak which included 3 TKO victories.

Meanwhile, Geoff Neal (15-6 MMA) was most previously seen in action 11 months ago at UFC 285, where he suffered a submission loss to streaking contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. That setback had snapped a two-fight win streak for ‘Handz of Steel’, as he had previously defeated Vicente Luque by knockout, and Santiago Ponzinibio by split decision.

Tonight’s ‘Garry vs. Neal’ welterweight bout did not result in the thrilling fight most fans were anticipating. Ian Machado Garry did a good job with his kicks throughout the entirety of the fifteen-minute contest, but Geoff Neal was able to keep things close due to his constant pressure and use of the clinch. After three rounds of back-and-forth action, the Irishman was awarded a split decision win to remain undefeated.

Official UFC 298 Results: Ian Machado Garry def. Geoff Neal by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Garry vs. Neal’ below:

Certainly Ian Garry’s toughest and most dangerous test to date. #UFC298

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 18, 2024

Neal I think

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) February 18, 2024

Gary will look to stay on the outside and avoid Neil’s big left hand. Easier said than done. #UFC298

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 18, 2024

Very close round. Neal seemed to edge it out slightly. #UFC298

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 18, 2024

Garry – Neal, Deep waters for Garry, key though is can Neal get into Garry’s neighborhood without getting mugged. #UFC298

— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) February 18, 2024

Stronger round for Neal. I have him up 2-0. Tho round 1 was very close. #UFC298

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 18, 2024

I would of gave Garry a yellow card by now.

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) February 18, 2024

29-28 Neal in a close fight. #UFC298

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 18, 2024

Post-fight reactions to Ian Machado Garry defeating Geoff Neal at UFC 298:

He’s a runner he’s a track-star lmfao nah but respectfully a full check is better than Half

— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 18, 2024

https://twitter.com/MovsarUFC/status/1759078082550300969

Felt Iike Neal lost this fight more than Garry won it. Frustrating to watch. #UFC298

— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) February 18, 2024

Who would you like to see Ian Machado Garry fight next following his victory over Geoff Neal this evening in California?