“Going to put COVID to test” – Ian Garry warns rival Geoff Neal ahead of much-anticipated grudge match

Irish fighter Ian Garry sends a warning to his opponent Geoff Neal and gets a savage reply from the American welterweight.

“Going to put COVID to test” – Ian Garry warns rival Geoff Neal ahead of much-anticipated grudge match

Ian Garry warns his opponent that he will test his 'Covid.' Gets a response back from Geoff Neal (via SkySports/ YouTube)

In the ever-dramatic realm of MMA, rising star Ian Garry has issued a strong warning to his opponent, Geoff Neal. This comes weeks ahead of their highly anticipated grudge battle. Garry had mocked Neal in the past. The tension between the two rose as Garry stated his plan to put Neal’s struggle with COVID to the test.

Ian Garry made the announcement via a social media post. In the video, he addressed Geoff Neal, saying he would test his ‘ Covid.’  The declaration’s hunger is evident, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a heated and keenly watched fight. This is what Garry had to say:

See this thing [referring to a gym bike], I hate it. But it works and it gives me cardio. Geoff Neal, I’m going to put your long COVID to the test pal, yeah.
Ian Garry via X
YouTube video

In reaction to Garry’s declaration, Geoff Neal, known for his forthright demeanor, replied with a short video of his own. He held a middle finger to the camera to reply to the Irishman. The quiet but emotive answer from Neal adds fire to the already simmering hatred between the two fighters.

FS Video

The MMA community excitedly anticipates the clash between Ian Garry and Geoff Neal. The verbal insults traded online add another dimension of drama to an already highly anticipated grudge bout. The psychological warfare outside the cage just adds to the suspense. 

Ian Garry and Geoff Neal set to fight at UFC 298 after Neal’s injury at UFC 292


UFC 298 will feature a showdown between Ian Garry and Geoff Neal. Recently, the necessity arose for Garry to withdraw from his UFC 296 fight against Vicente Luque. Pneumonia had afflicted Garry, leading to the cancellation of the fight. The UFC had offered Luque several names for a short-notice fight. However, he allegedly declined.

Geoff Neal vs. Ian Garry slated to be held at UFC 298
Geoff Neal vs. Ian Garry is slated to be held at UFC 298 (via Sports Illustrated)

On February 17, 2024, the Garry vs. Neal fight will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This comes as part of the highly anticipated UFC 298, headlined by Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria. This heated rivalry has increased the anticipation for this match, adding another dimension of excitement to the contest.

Neal and Garry have been previously linked to fight each other. Originally set to fight at UFC 292, Neal withdrew due to an injury. Neil Magny stepped in as a replacement for Geoff Neal. Garry went on to defeat Magny, maintaining the rivalry with Neal through a variety of exchanges, including a controversial t-shirt.

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