Welterweights go to war in Anaheim.
The polarizing Ian Garry makes his return against Texas’ Geoff Neal on the main card of UFC 298. The two were originally supposed to fight each other last August but Neal withdrew. They’ll finally square off in a grudge match of sorts at the Honda Center.
Round 1:
Neal throws a leg kick. Garry returns with a front kick. Neal hits Garry with a leg kick. Another leg kick lands for Neal. Garry lands a combo of strikes. Neal swings big but misses. Neal presses forward and catches Garry with a punch. They clinch up against the cage. They fight for clinch control, going back-and-forth in position.
They break and Neal lands a good shot coming off it. Garry goes low and then high with his kicks. Garry throws a knee up then middle and then a body kick. Neal lands a couple of shots before the bell sounds.
CDS: 10-9 Garry
Round 2:
Garry throws a kick and follows it up with fast punches. Neal clinches up with Garry against the cage. Neal controls Garry for a moment but they eventually separate. Neal eats a punch from Garry. Leg kick lands for Neal. Neal lands a strike before going into the clinch with Garry. They circle in the center of the Octagon and then break.
Garry lands a body kick. A big right hook lands for Neal. Garry works the jab. Neal tags Garry with a series of shots. They clinch at the end of the round.
CDS: 10-9 Neal
Round 3:
Neal hunts down Garry and clinches him against the cage. They separate. Garry lands a body kick, Neal returns with strikes. Leg kick lands for the Texan. Garry eats a shot from Neal. Neal clinches up with Garry once again. Garry is able to separate and hits Neal with punches.
Garry lands a great knee on Neal. Garry is evasive on the feet, keeping his distance from the oncoming Neal. Neal continues to chase down Garry and gets the Irishman in the clinch. Garry lands an elbow and then a front kick to end the round.
CDS: 10-9 Garry
Official result: Ian Garry defeats Geoff Neal via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Check out the highlights below:
HE REMAINS UNDEFEATED 😱
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
After going the distance @IanGarryMMA wins by split decision! #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/oBt1GArZ6i
Ian Machado Garry now has the longest active UFC win streak in the welterweight division with his 7th consecutive win@IanGarryMMA | #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/u1ukuQq0MB
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
"I want to retire you (@ColbyCovMMA) from the UFC."
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
After tonight's win, @IanGarryMMA knows exactly who he wants to see next in the Octagon! #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/mCM3af8mzF
