Geoff Neal vs. Ian Garry 2/17/24 – The upcoming UFC 298 event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, is setting the stage for a welterweight showdown that has fans and multi-handicapper websites buzzing with anticipation. Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal will be facing off against Ian “The Future” Garry in a bout that is not just a clash of styles but also a pivotal moment for both fighters’ careers. Neal comes into the fight with a record of 15 wins, 5 losses, and no draws, whereas Garry boasts an undefeated streak of 13-0-0. With the betting odds favoring Garry at -233 against Neal’s +198, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable.
Geoff Neal vs. Ian Garry 2/17/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Honda Center, Anaheim, California, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal Analysis
The 33-year-old Geoff Neal enters with a 15-5 professional record, showcasing impressive striking and a strong ability to finish fights during his seven-year career. A polished southpaw, Neal lands a high volume of 5.22 significant strikes per minute with strong 50% accuracy. His boxing-heavy standup features creative shot selection and knockout power in either hand. According to the stats, Neal has been successful in a dangerous welterweight division despite being an undersized 170-pounder. His experience and craftiness cannot be discounted. However, Neal’s last contest resulted in a third-round submission loss to top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. While proficient overall, Neal has shown vulnerabilities to strong grapplers at times with an 87% takedown defense rate and low 0.1 submission average per 15 minutes. He’ll need to avoid being put on his back by the larger Garry. Still, Neal remains dangerous due to his precise striking, underrated footwork and counter skills against charging opponents. Few can match his striking metrics and ability to finish fights with punches, kicks, knees and elbows.
The veteran Neal boasts dynamite in his hands and has made major improvements in his wrestling and submission defense over the years. Despite being finished twice in the UFC, he has gone toe-to-toe with elite welterweights like Neil Magny and Vicente Luque. Neal’s experience, offensive potency and fight IQ give him live underdog value in this match-up with the undefeated Garry.
Ian “The Future” Garry Analysis
Emerging contender Ian “The Future” Garry entered the cage with an undefeated 13-0 mark, including six knockout finishes since transitioning from the regional scene. Still only 26 years old, Garry displays the output, accuracy and creative shot selection of a future title contender, landing 6.67 significant strikes per minute at a 56% clip so far in his young UFC stint. The lanky six-foot-three orthodox striker maximizes his height and reach well, operating behind a long rangy jab and blistering straight right hand. While known as a standup specialist, Garry has surprised many with better than advertised wrestling skills. He completes takedowns at a 75 percent rate, providing a balanced attack. Though he absorbs his share of strikes (3.58 per minute), his aggressive style and fight-ending power paired with developing grappling promise an intriguing upside moving forward.
However, Garry has yet to face someone as weathered and battle-tested as Neal. This marks his first UFC co-main event slot and most significant pro fight to date. Now training stateside full-time, “The Future” hopes his youth, size and expanding toolkit will be enough to pass this stiff test and remain unbeaten for years to come. But Neal’s world-class striking and intangibles present his toughest matchup so far on paper.
Geoff Neal vs. Ian Garry Stats
| Neal | Garry | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 15-5-0 | 13-0-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 10:36 | 11:13 |
| Height | 5′ 11″ | 6′ 3″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs. | 170 lbs. |
| Reach | 75″ | 74″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 5.22 | 6.67 |
| Striking Accuracy | 50% | 56% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 5.60 | 3.58 |
| Defense | 58% | 53% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.51 | 0.67 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 44% | 75% |
| Takedown Defense | 87% | 69% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Geoff Neal vs. Ian Garry Betting Picks
Despite his setback last time out, Neal’s experience and knockout power make him a live underdog in this spot. Meanwhile, Garry has momentum but is facing his first top-15 ranked opponent. The betting odds are close for good reason with Neal at +198 and Garry listed as a -233 favorite. This looks like an ideal opportunity to take a shot with the plus-money underdog in a very competitive fight.
Our free prediction is Geoff Neal pulls off a minor upset with a second or third-round TKO victory at lucrative moneyline odds. Garry has been impressive so early in his career but may not yet be ready for Neal’s next level striking abilities. It should be a great fight with plenty of drama along the way.
Free Pick: Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal +198
Neal’s quest to bounce back against the rising star in Garry sets the stage for a memorable fight. With careful consideration of their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, our MMA free expert analysis leans towards Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal securing a victory. However, in the unpredictable arena of mixed martial arts, only the fighters’ performances on February 17 will determine the outcome.