Jeff Smith 
@adminIt was just officially announced that “Handz of Steel” Geoff Neal will be taking on “The Haitian Sensation” Neil Magny at UFC on ESPN 24. This fight was originally scheduled for last year in August but was cancelled when Neal suffered congestive heart failure. The situation was made even worse as Neal became septic and in critical condition.
Magny ended up fighting former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, whom he defeated in a unanimous decision. The win was his third in a row, but that streak came to an end when he lost to Michael Chiesa in January at “Fight Island”.
This is not Neal’s first fight since his life threatening situation, he fought fifth ranked Stephen “The Wonderboy” Thompson in December last year at UFC Vegas 17. He did manage to go the five rounds but lost by unanimous decision.
There are a lot of people questioning the decision of Neal to take that fight so soon after almost dying. Using the term “almost dying” is not an exaggeration in this case, he literally almost died. Neal spent two days in the intensive care unit fighting for his life.
Neal’s predicament was made even more complicated when covid struck three members of his corner. You can’t question Neal’s heart (in the non-medical way) and fortitude, but you have to ask what was he thinking? Or even more so, what was his management and training staff thinking?
Most people don’t realize that there is no regulatory body that oversees the medical conditions of MMA fighters. It is done in house by the UFC physicians. The UFC does agree to follow Nevada State Athletic Commission rules that all fighters must pass a pre-fight medical exam. It does make you have to wonder how he actually passed?
Neal did put on a good show in the fight, maybe not in his performance but in that he made it through the fight at all. Besides the previous medical conditions that may still have been affecting him, after the first round he could not see out of his right eye.
At a post fight interview he commented “So much adversity leading up to this fight,” and “I still made that walk and fought that fight.” Lastly added “I don’t know about y’all but I’m proud of me!”
As of yet there have been no odds released for the fight, but you can be assured that Magny will come out as the favorite. Even though both men lost their last fights, there are questions still lingering around Neal’s health and how it may be affecting his conditioning. You can guarantee it will be on the minds of the odds-makers.
Whatever his real condition was a few months ago (and may be still) he does seem more fit and ready for what should be a great fight between these two welterweight contenders. While neither of them will be getting a title shot no matter who wins, it will be an important stepping stone in that direction.
