UFC welterweight contender Geoff Neal’s head coach Sayif Saud is not happy with some criticism that has followed his withdrawal from UFC 292. Specifically, the remarks coming from his formerly scheduled opponent’s manager.
Neal (15-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) was set to take on undefeated Ian Machado Garry (12-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) at the upcoming UFC pay-per-view event in Boston on Aug. 19. Due to medical issues, Neal was forced to withdraw from the contest, which drew unsavory criticism from Garry’s manager Llyod Pierson.
“His p*ssy hurts,” said Pierson in a video Garry posted to social media while delivering the news of Neal’s withdrawal. Garry’s quote along with the video stated, “Geoff Neal has b*tched out.”
The criticism from the pair did not sit well with Saud, who has witnessed every step of Neal’s journey since being hospitalized with sepsis in 2020. According to Saud, Neal has never fully recovered from his brush with death, despite continuing his career.
“The fans know that Geoff Neal was a fast-rising star, and after that happened, he just hasn’t quite been the same, and it’s been a mystery of something we’ve been trying to solve for a long time,” Sayif told MMA Junkie. “He’s a guy that almost died. He literally almost died, and was in the ICU for nine days.”
I just saw this and find it very disturbing. @handzofsteelmma is working closely with the @ufc medical staff after never fully recovering from near death/sepsis, fans all know.This kid fought @Rakhmonov1994 @VicenteLuqueMMA @bullyb170 @WonderboyMMA it is pathetic to hear this https://t.co/GPt9U5rQRA
— Sayif Saud (@sayif_saud) August 11, 2023
After being cleared to compete, Neal went on to face some of the biggest names and toughest competition at 170 pounds. He has gone on to record mixed results against Stephen Thompson, Neil Magny, Santiago Ponzinibbio, Vicente Luque, and most recently, Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Neal’s most recent bout did not go off without a hitch. He was originally scheduled to face Rakhmonov in January, but had to withdraw due to a medical issue. The pairing remained intact and was rescheduled for UFC 285. It turned out to be an intense main card battle that earned the Fight of the Night award.
Considering the lineup of opponents Neal has faced since dealing with his medical complications, Saud was not pleased to hear Garry and Pierson insinuate that Neal was scared to show up for their scheduled fight at UFC 292.
“It’s just stupid to say that,” Saud said. “Geoff is the guy that tried to push through for the Shavkat fight and everyone’s like, ‘What’s wrong with this guy?’ Everyone feels it. All the fans. The guy’s just not healthy. Everyone knows this story. Are you that tone deaf that you don’t know what’s going on in the sport? Everybody knows his situation.”
Garry has since found a replacement opponent in Neil Magny, and will remain on the UFC 292 card.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 292.
