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Geoff Neal Says DWI Arrest Is ‘Not As Serious As They Make It Out To Be’

Geoff Neal may have recently been arrested on a DWI and weapons charge, but he is not letting that distract him from his fight at UFC 269.

It was recently reported that Neal had been arrested in the early hours of Thanksgiving Day and was facing mi…

Geoff Neal may have recently been arrested on a DWI and weapons charge, but he is not letting that distract him from his fight at UFC 269.

It was recently reported that Neal had been arrested in the early hours of Thanksgiving Day and was facing misdemeanor charges of DWI and unlawful carrying of a weapon. While he was released on bail several hours later, this did cause a bit of concern about the future of his UFC 269 fight with Santiago Ponzinibbio, which was scheduled to take place just 16 days after his arrest.

Now it has become clear that Neal will still fight at UFC 269 and was tasked with speaking to media ahead of this contest. Here, he opened up about what happened for the first time since his arrest. He did not want to comment much on the specifics but cleared the air on some issues.

“No comments on what really went down,” Neal said during the UFC 269 media day (h/t MMAFighting). “I haven’t been charged with any crime yet.

“Pretty much they had probable cause, and instead of doing the Breathalyzer, I chose to do the blood [test]. So I’m waiting on the results to come back on that and we’ll go from there.”

As far as the weapons charges go, Geoff Neal explained the gun found with him was registered to him legally. He felt that the reports about the situation were somewhat misleading, and were blowing things out of proportion.

“It was just a one-night thing,” Neal said. “Just decided to kick back and relax with my girlfriend. Had a few drinks and then there’s a situation that happened and then cops got involved. I did have my weapon on me. My weapon, it’s legal. It’s licensed in my name. They made it look like I had a MAC-10 in my lap, driving around drunk or something.

“It’s not as serious as they make it out to be. It’s not like I was drunk off my ass, hungover, just running the streets. It was a one-time thing.”

That said, there are fans of Geoff Neal, who may be concerned about his focus on training ahead of this fight, considering how far along he was in training camp when being arrested for a DWI. He assures that there is no reason to be concerned and that it was a one-time thing that was not indicative of how hard he trained.

“Not really [a distraction],” Neal said. “It is what it is. I’m the dumbass that did that so I’ve got to deal with it.”

Geoff Neal will be returning to action this weekend against Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 269. Only then will fans be able to tell what impact, if any, this incident has had on him.

Watch his full media scrum below:

Continue Reading Geoff Neal Says DWI Arrest Is ‘Not As Serious As They Make It Out To Be’ at MMA News.

Geoff Neal Explains Recent DUI Arrest Ahead Of UFC 269 Bout

UFC welterweight Geoff Neal didn’t have a lot to say about his recent DUI arrest on Thanksgiving, but he assures it isn’t a distraction. Just weeks before his fight against Santiago Ponzinibbio, Neal was arrested for driving under the influence along with unlawful carry of a weapon. He was later released on bail after a […]

UFC welterweight Geoff Neal didn’t have a lot to say about his recent DUI arrest on Thanksgiving, but he assures it isn’t a distraction.

Just weeks before his fight against Santiago Ponzinibbio, Neal was arrested for driving under the influence along with unlawful carry of a weapon. He was later released on bail after a brief stay behind bars.

Neal opted to submit the blood test results to local police after previously taking a breathalyzer test. Blood tests during DUI stops are arguably more accurate and reliable than the commonly used breath tests.

During his UFC 269 pre-fight press conference, Neal explained what led up to his arrest and whether or not his intoxication was the result of a rough training camp.

“Not really [a distraction],” Neal continued. “It is what it is. I’m the dumbass that did that so I’ve got to deal with it.”

Geoff Neal Is Hoping To Snap A Two-Fight Losing Skid

Neal is looking to get back on track in the octagon after losing fights against Stephen Thompson and Neil Magny in back-to-back unanimous decision losses. Before that, he was on a seven-fight winning streak that included dominant performances against the likes of Belal Muhammad and Niko Price.

It’s unclear what could be next for Neal as he continues to deal with his legal issues, but he’s hoping to put it behind him as he faces a tough test against Ponzinibbio this weekend.

What are your thoughts on Geoff Neal’s UFC return this weekend?

Geoff Neal Arrested On DWI, Weapons Charges Days Out From UFC 269

Geoff Neal has experienced a bit of a rough patch ahead of his UFC 269 bout with Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Neal is looking to get back on track after losing two in a row for the first time in his career, by facing Ponzinibbio in the UFC’s final pay-per…

Geoff Neal has experienced a bit of a rough patch ahead of his UFC 269 bout with Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Neal is looking to get back on track after losing two in a row for the first time in his career, by facing Ponzinibbio in the UFC’s final pay-per-view event of the year. However, he will be doing so just days after having spent time in jail following an arrest in Texas.

According to reports, Neal was picked up by the Texas Department of Public Safety at 3:47 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, just 16 days before his upcoming bout at UFC 269. He was arrested on misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawful carrying a weapon.

Geoff Neal was then taken to the Collin County Jail, in McKinney, where he was processed. After facing a bail amount of $1,000 for each charge, he was released from jail just after 8 p.m., that very same day.

At the time of writing, it appears that Neal will still be facing Ponzinibbio on December 11th. Additionally, neither he nor the UFC has released an official statement regarding this incident.

Geoff Neal is in need of a big win, after suffering back-to-back losses to Stephen Thompson and Neil Magny, which derailed his seven-fight winning streak. Prior to that, he was in the ICU for about a week dealing with septicemia, a blood infection that could have easily cost him his life.

Time will tell if this incident in Texas will have any effect on Neal’s conditioning for the fight or is an indication of the way his training camp went.

Continue Reading Geoff Neal Arrested On DWI, Weapons Charges Days Out From UFC 269 at MMA News.

Geoff Neal Promises “Fireworks” Against Ponzinibbio At UFC 269

UFC welterweight Geoff Neal says someone’s either getting slept or getting hurt when he enters the Octagon with Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 269.

Neal will be in action for the second time this year when he faces the Argentinian on December 11. In h…

UFC welterweight Geoff Neal says someone’s either getting slept or getting hurt when he enters the Octagon with Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 269.

Neal will be in action for the second time this year when he faces the Argentinian on December 11. In his previous outing, the 31-year-old fell on the wrong side of a decision against fellow contender Neil Magny. His defeat to “The Haitian Sensation” set him on his first losing streak of his 17-fight professional MMA career. He’d lost a five-round main event to Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson five months prior.

While Neal looks to bring back the form that had him unbeaten at 5-0 in the UFC, including wins over Belal Muhammad, Niko Price, and Mike Perry, Ponzinibbio will be looking to carry the momentum from his last appearance into the final pay-per-view of 2021.

After returning from a two-year absence with a brutal knockout loss to Li Jingliang in January, the “Argentine Dagger” had his hand raised for the first time since 2018 when he outpointed Miguel Baeza in June. While he looks to make another step up the welterweight ladder, Neal will be looking to use the 35-year-old as a route back to form.

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Neal Looks To Return To Sold-Out Arenas In Style

Ahead of his upcoming fight, Neal spoke to MMA News’ James Lynch. “Handz of Steel” said he’s excited to be fighting in front of fans for the first time since December 2019. Having lost twice in the quiet environment of the UFC Apex, Neal believes the energy and sound of the T-Mobile Arena crowd will certainly give him the “motivation” he needs on December 11.

“Those last two performances, I really just didn’t, I dunno, it was like a mental thing. I was in there, I just didn’t care. I was just chilling, you know what I mean. I’ve gotta be more aggressive… I’m so happy that we’re fighting in front of fans. That’s probably gonna play a big dynamic in my motivation and my drive. Fighting in that Apex is boring as fuck, I don’t wanna do that ever again. Hopefully my next fights are all gonna be in (front of) fans, in arenas; I like that uncomfortable feeling of just standing there in front of the crowd screaming. I love that,” Neal told MMA News.

Neal expects to give the crowd an entertaining watch in Las Vegas. Acknowledging Ponzinibbio’s toughness and aggressive style, the Texan told fans to expect fireworks at UFC 269. In his mind, either someone’s getting rendered unconscious or they’re getting left with some heavy damage after a 15-minute war.

“He’s a tough opponent… We match up pretty well. We have kinda the same style. The only thing different is I’m southpaw and he’s orthodox… Honestly, especially this fight, it’s either gonna end in the first round or the second round, or it’s gonna be like, a three-round battle. There’s really no secret to this fight, especially with his style… He’s not gonna wanna shy away and I’m not gonna wanna shy away. I like to come forward, he likes to come forward. So, it’s fireworks. Somebody’s gonna either go to sleep or somebody’s getting hurt.”

Catch our full interview with Geoff Neal ahead of UFC 269 below:

Do you think Geoff Neal will return to the win column against Santiago Ponzinbbio at UFC 269?

Continue Reading Geoff Neal Promises “Fireworks” Against Ponzinibbio At UFC 269 at MMA News.

Neal Tells Brunson To “Mind Your Business” After Welterweight Criticism

After Derek Brunson slammed the UFC welterweight roster for not calling out Khamzat Chimaev, Geoff Neal has told the middleweight contender to focus on his own division.

Chimaev returned to action after over a year on the sidelines at UFC 267 last …

After Derek Brunson slammed the UFC welterweight roster for not calling out Khamzat Chimaev, Geoff Neal has told the middleweight contender to focus on his own division.

Chimaev returned to action after over a year on the sidelines at UFC 267 last month. Having established his name with three dominant wins against John Phillips, Rhys McKee, and Gerald Meerschaert in the space of just 66 days last year, “Borz” found himself contemplating retirement after a battle with COVID-19.

After a full recovery, Chimaev returned to Abu Dhabi for his fourth Octagon outing on October 30. Against ranked contender Li Jingliang, the Chechen-born Swede kept his hype train on the tracks with an impressive first-round submission. In the aftermath, Chimaev put the rest of the welterweight division on notice.

Having entered the 170-pound top 10, it seems likely Chimaev is only one or two wins away from a shot at welterweight gold. With that in mind, Brunson, who is currently battling to secure a rematch with 185-pound king Israel Adesanya, slammed the contenders in the weight class below him for letting “Borz” jump them in the queue. Brunson suggested welterweights were “tripping” for not calling Chimaev out.

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““So y’all WWs are just going to let Khamzat Chimaev pass y’all in the rankings, title shots & not call him out. Y’all tripping”

Neal Advises Brunson To Focus On His Own Division

Now, one ranked welterweight has hit back at Brunson. Speaking during an interview with MMA News’ James Lynch, #11-ranked Geoff Neal questioned his UFC peer’s decision to criticize his fellow athletes. “Handz of Steel” also pointed out that top-10 contender Neil Magny has continuously called Chimaev out, while most others are already booked in fights.

“I disagree, for sure. Because a lot of the welterweights are already matched up first of all. Second of all, you don’t know the negotiations that are going behind it… Neil Magny’s been calling him (Chimaev) out for damn-near a whole year. You know what I mean, he can’t say people having been calling him out,” Neal told MMA News.

Neal also criticized Brunson for attempting to create a negative narrative about another division. According to the 31-year-old, the middleweight needs to mind his business and focus on his own division.

“You don’t know nothing about no negotiations. You’re a middleweight, worry about middleweight. Don’t try to start this narrative, this negative narrative, on our division. We’re supposed to be fucking co-workers. Don’t sit here and try to start a negative narrative on us. Like, the hell? Mind your business, bro. Worry about what you’ve got going on. “

Catch our full interview with Geoff Neal ahead of UFC 269 below:

After losing two on the bounce against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Magny, Neal will be looking to return to the win column when he’s back in action at UFC 269 on December 11. At a stacked final pay-per-view of the year, “Handz of Steel” is set to face Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Do you agree with Geoff Neal? Should Derek Brunson focus his attention on his own division?

Continue Reading Neal Tells Brunson To “Mind Your Business” After Welterweight Criticism at MMA News.

Geoff Neal vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio Added To UFC 269

Geoff Neal is set to fight Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 269 on December 11. Brett Okamoto of ESPN first broke the news of this exciting welterweight bout. “Another fun welterweight fight added to UFC 269,” Okamoto wrote on social media. “Santiago Ponzinibbio (@SPonzinibbioMMA) vs. Geoff Neal (@handzofsteelmma) has been agreed to on both sides. This […]

Geoff Neal is set to fight Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 269 on December 11.

Brett Okamoto of ESPN first broke the news of this exciting welterweight bout.

“Another fun welterweight fight added to UFC 269,” Okamoto wrote on social media. “Santiago Ponzinibbio (@SPonzinibbioMMA) vs. Geoff Neal (@handzofsteelmma) has been agreed to on both sides. This final PPV card of 2021 is looking….”

Neal is currently on a two-fight losing streak after dropping to successive decision defeats against Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson and Neil Magny. ‘Handz of Steel’ began his UFC career with a five-fight win streak during which he beat the likes of Mike Perry, Niko Price and Belal Muhammad to establish himself as a true player at 170lbs. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old has recently been plagued by health issues and they appear to have had a detrimental impact on his fight career.

Ponzinibbio has also endured his share of health issues that derailed his progression through the welterweight ranks. The Argentine was on a seven-fight win streak before he was forced to take three years away from fighting. Ponzinibbio returned to action earlier this year and was shockingly knocked out by Li Jingliang. The 35-year-old has since bounced back, beating Miguel Baeza over three rounds in June.

UFC 269 does not have an official location or venue but is expected to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

UFC 269 Fight Card

Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier

Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Pena

Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal

Randy Costa vs. Tony Kelley

Cody Garbrandt vs. Kai Kara-France

Priscila Cachoeira vs. Gillian Robertson

Maycee Barber vs. opponent TBA

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Andre Muniz

Alex Perez vs. Matt Schnell

Ryan Hall vs. Darrick Minner

Dominick Cruz vs. Pedro Munhoz

Sean O’Malley vs. Raulian Paiva

Geoff Neal vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio

Who will win at UFC 269? Geoff Neal or Santiago Ponzinibbio?