An unfortunate injury has sidelined Geoff Neal, resulting in the cancellation of his anticipated fight against Carlos Prates, which was set for next month at UFC 314. Fans had been eagerly looking forward to this welterweight showdown, but now the UFC is redirecting their plans for Prates.
During the UFC Mexico City broadcast on Saturday night, officials confirmed the matchup was off the UFC 314 card completely, and they aren’t seeking a replacement for Neal. With the event just two weeks away, it seems they’re shifting gears fast.
The announcement hinted that updates regarding Prates’ next steps will be revealed soon, though no mention was made about Neal’s future. This could mean Prates is likely lining up against a new opponent. As a top 15 fighter at 170 pounds, Prates showcased his skills last November when he headlined a UFC Fight Night, triumphing over Neil Magny.
Given Prates’ solid performance record of 21-6, it’s likely he’ll find himself headlining another Fight Night, especially if the bout with Neal is temporarily shelved. As for Neal, who sports a 16-6 record, he last entered the octagon in October, where he secured a victory against Rafael dos Anjos.
Scheduled to take place in Miami, Florida, on April 12, 2025, UFC 314 will feature a featherweight title bout as its main event. Fans can look forward to seeing Alexander Volkanovski clashing with Diego Lopes for the championship title, left open by Ilia Topuria, who is transitioning to the lightweight category. Plus, an exciting matchup between Michael Chandler and Paddy “The Paddy” Pimblett adds to the card’s allure.
