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Booked for UFC 240
Neal is scheduled to fight Niko Price in a welterweight matchup at UFC 240 in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 27, Farah Hannoun of MMA Junkie reports.
ANALYSIS
Neal has surged onto the UFC scene, winning his first three career fights and most recently defeating Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision. Meanwhile, Price is 5-2 (1 NC) in UFC but is coming off an impressive knockout victory over Tim Means. Neal will be at a slight disadvantage in terms of height and reach, but has more than double the rate of significant strikes landed per minute than his opponent. He doesn't offer up much in terms of offensive wrestling, but sports a 91 percent takedown defense over a three-fight sample size.
Neal has surged onto the UFC scene, winning his first three career fights and most recently defeating Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision. Meanwhile, Price is 5-2 (1 NC) in UFC but is coming off an impressive knockout victory over Tim Means. Neal will be at a slight disadvantage in terms of height and reach, but has more than double the rate of significant strikes landed per minute than his opponent. He doesn't offer up much in terms of offensive wrestling, but sports a 91 percent takedown defense over a three-fight sample size.
Runs win streak to five
Neal defeated Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Brooklyn.
ANALYSIS
Make it five in a row for Neal and this was perhaps his most impressive performance yet. Facing a very tough opponent who loves to push the pace, Neal managed to stave off all eight of Muhammad's takedown attempts and win the total strike battle by a count of 83-62. Neal also scored two knockdowns including a gorgeous high kick. Neal's grappling ability remains a concern, but he has legitimate thunder in his hands. Bigger fights are ahead for the 28-year-old Texan.
Make it five in a row for Neal and this was perhaps his most impressive performance yet. Facing a very tough opponent who loves to push the pace, Neal managed to stave off all eight of Muhammad's takedown attempts and win the total strike battle by a count of 83-62. Neal also scored two knockdowns including a gorgeous high kick. Neal's grappling ability remains a concern, but he has legitimate thunder in his hands. Bigger fights are ahead for the 28-year-old Texan.
Looks to extend winning streak
Neal will take on Belal Muhammad in a welterweight matchup at UFC on ESPN+ 1 on Jan. 19, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Neal may have a couple losses on his professional record, but is riding a four-fight finishing streak going back to his pre-UFC days, and his last seven have all ended in a stoppage. He got his opportunity on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series and hasn't looked back, most recently finished Frank Camacho with a highlight-reel head kick at UFC 228. Muhammad, on the other hand, is riding a four-fight winning streak with the promotion, but hasn't picked up a finish in over two years. Both men stand at 5-foot-11, with Neal holding a three-inch reach advantage.
Neal may have a couple losses on his professional record, but is riding a four-fight finishing streak going back to his pre-UFC days, and his last seven have all ended in a stoppage. He got his opportunity on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series and hasn't looked back, most recently finished Frank Camacho with a highlight-reel head kick at UFC 228. Muhammad, on the other hand, is riding a four-fight winning streak with the promotion, but hasn't picked up a finish in over two years. Both men stand at 5-foot-11, with Neal holding a three-inch reach advantage.
Scores a highlight-reel head-kick knockout at UFC 228
Neal defeated Frank Camacho via KO (kick) at 1:23 of Round 2 at UFC 228 on Saturday in Dallas.
ANALYSIS
This fight ended via a head kick that you will see on replay for years. At the end of the first round, Neal dropped Camacho and nearly finished the fight. Camacho survived and made the end of the round, but he came out for the second looking hurt. Neal stayed patient and landed a devastating head kick, which finished the fight. Camacho was out before his body hit the ground. Neal has shown promise as a prospect, and this performance will certainly help him become memorable.
This fight ended via a head kick that you will see on replay for years. At the end of the first round, Neal dropped Camacho and nearly finished the fight. Camacho survived and made the end of the round, but he came out for the second looking hurt. Neal stayed patient and landed a devastating head kick, which finished the fight. Camacho was out before his body hit the ground. Neal has shown promise as a prospect, and this performance will certainly help him become memorable.
Gets second official bout at UFC 228
Neal will take on Frank Camacho in a welterweight matchup at UFC 228 on Sept. 8, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Neal impressed Dana White with a quick stoppage in his Contender Series debut, and was equally impressive in his first official UFC fight, stopping Brian Camozzi via first-round submission. The UFC won't risk bringing along the 27-year-old too fast, however, as they'll match him up against a fighter in Camacho who has just three fights with the company (1-2). Neal will enter as the younger fighter with slight height and reach advantages.
Neal impressed Dana White with a quick stoppage in his Contender Series debut, and was equally impressive in his first official UFC fight, stopping Brian Camozzi via first-round submission. The UFC won't risk bringing along the 27-year-old too fast, however, as they'll match him up against a fighter in Camacho who has just three fights with the company (1-2). Neal will enter as the younger fighter with slight height and reach advantages.