As UFC 308 approaches, all eyes are on the welterweight showdown between Geoff "Handz of Steel" Neal and former champion Rafael dos Anjos. Scheduled for October 26, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, this matchup features Neal's striking power against dos Anjos' veteran experience. Both fighters aim to rebound from recent bouts and solidify their places in the welterweight hierarchy. Let’s explore their fight histories and what to expect as they prepare for this exciting clash.

Geoff Neal

• Nickname: Handz of Steel
• Age: 34 (Born August 28, 1990)
• Height: 5’11" (180.34 cm)
• Weight: 170 lbs (77.11 kg)
• Association: Fortis MMA / StrKings
• Class: Welterweight
• Record: 15 wins, 6 losses, 0 draws
  • Wins by KO/TKO: 9 (60%)
  • Wins by Submission: 2 (13%)
  • Wins by Decision: 4 (27%)
  • Losses by KO/TKO: 1 (17%)
  • Losses by Submission: 2 (33%)
  • Losses by Decision: 3 (50%)

Recent Fight History

• Loss to Ian Garry (UFC 298 - Feb 17, 2024) by Split Decision
• Loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov (UFC 285 - Mar 4, 2023) by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
• Win against Vicente Luque (UFC on ESPN 40 - Aug 6, 2022) by KO (Punches)
• Win against Santiago Ponzinibbio (UFC 269 - Dec 11, 2021) by Split Decision

Rafael dos Anjos

• Age: 39 (Born October 26, 1984)
• Height: 5’8" (172.72 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70.31 kg)
• Association: RDA Academy / Nova Uniao
• Class: Lightweight
• Record: 32 wins, 16 losses, 0 draws
  • Wins by KO/TKO: 5 (16%)
  • Wins by Submission: 11 (34%)
  • Wins by Decision: 16 (50%)
  • Losses by KO/TKO: 4 (25%)
  • Losses by Submission: 0 (0%)
  • Losses by Decision: 12 (75%)

Recent Fight History

• Loss to Mateusz Gamrot (UFC 299 - Mar 9, 2024) by Unanimous Decision
• Loss to Vicente Luque (UFC on ESPN 51 - Aug 12, 2023) by Unanimous Decision
• Win against Bryan Barberena (UFC on ESPN 42 - Dec 3, 2022) by Submission (Neck Crank)
• Loss to Rafael Fiziev (UFC on ESPN 39 - Jul 9, 2022) by KO (Punches)

Fight Analysis

• Geoff Neal is known for his powerful striking and finishing ability, with 60% of his wins coming by KO/TKO. He has faced tough competition in his recent fights, which could be a factor in his performance against dos Anjos.
• Rafael dos Anjos, a former lightweight champion, has a well-rounded skill set with a strong submission game. His experience in the octagon is a significant advantage, especially against opponents like Neal who rely heavily on striking.
• Age Factor: Neal is younger and likely more agile, while dos Anjos brings extensive experience and technical prowess.

Fight Prediction

This matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles. If Neal can keep the fight standing and utilize his striking, he may have the upper hand. Conversely, if dos Anjos can leverage his grappling and veteran experience, he could control the pace and position.

Prediction: Geoff Neal will secure a victory over Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision, utilizing his striking power to control the fight.