UFC 298: Ian Garry secures tight split-decision win over Geoff Neal ...

Updated 18/02/2024 at 06:30 GMT

Ian Garry improved his record to 14-0 and underlined his credentials as a future welterweight title challenger with a hard-fought victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 298.

In what was a razor-close fight, the Irishman earned a split-decision with two judges scoring 30-27 in his favour.

The pair’s scheduled meeting at the end of last year was postponed after the Irishman contracted pneumonia and he vowed to put on a show in his return to the Octagon.

He threw some nice shots in the first but it was Neal who landed the more significant blows, forcing the Irishman back with some stiff left hands at range.

But Garry’s wide array of skills started to come to the fore at the end of the round and he carried that momentum into the early part of the second, finding a home for his knees and kicks.

Neal was always a danger, though, and drew blood with another stinging left before landing a combination late in the round.

Garry took the shots well and fired back, but it was tough to score going into the third.

The final five minutes followed a similar pattern, with Garry utilising his kicking game, while Neal was more effective with his hands.

A good left from Neal was acknowledged by Garry, who then nearly ended the contest with a perfectly timed knee, but that was the best of the action as the final two minutes passed by without much action.

Neal swung wildly as the seconds ticked down but Garry’s footwork enabled him to evade and close out the victory.

In his post-fight interview, Garry called out Colby Covington as the bout he wants next.

"I'm living the life," he said, to a chorus of boos. "You're all here, you're all watching me."

"Geoff is one of the most dangerous guys in the division, the power is undeniable, but there's one guy I want next.

"I've been saying his name all week. His name is Colby 'Chaos' Covnington. That guy is on a three-fight skid against world champions and I want to retire you from the UFC Colby. Anywhere, anytime!"

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