A significant welterweight match between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates will no longer take place at UFC 314.
During Saturday`s UFC Mexico broadcast, UFC commentator Jon Anik announced that Geoff Neal sustained an injury, forcing him to withdraw from the fight. Consequently, the entire bout has been removed from the April 12 event card. No further details were given regarding the nature of Neal`s injury or the expected duration of his recovery.
As for Carlos Prates, he will not be given a replacement opponent for this event. However, Anik hinted that the Brazilian fighter might receive an even more significant opportunity soon.
“We are hoping to share some big news about Carlos Prates in the coming weeks,” Anik stated.
Regardless of future developments, this news is undoubtedly disappointing for Prates. He was aiming to capitalize on his impressive 2024, where he achieved four consecutive victories, all by knockout in the first or second round.
Prates was looking forward to building on this momentum by facing a seasoned veteran like Neal, but now he will have to wait for a later date for his next fight.
This fight was intended to be Neal`s chance to secure his second consecutive win after defeating Rafael dos Anjos last October. Neal will now miss the opportunity to compete against one of the fastest rising stars in the UFC.
With the cancellation of Neal vs. Prates, the UFC 314 main card is currently reduced to four fights. A fifth fight will be promoted to the main card before the event on April 12 in Miami.
Wesley Dunham