UFC 319 – Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates: Preview & Betting Tips

Neal’s reputation in the UFC is built on raw power, aggressive forward pressure, and a willingness to engage in firefights. While not the most technical operator in the division, Neal makes up for it with fight-ending hands, a solid chin, and underrated takedown defence. 

I expect the American to try and dictate the pace, walk opponents down, and force exchanges where his heavy shots can land. But, he may get hit by something big himself if his defence is caught slipping.

Prates is a dangerous, rangy striker with knockout potential in every range on the feet. Light on his feet and unpredictable, he’s the kind of fighter who can throw a head kick in the blink of an eye or launch spinning attacks without telegraphing them. His variety of attacks make him tricky to read, and his length gives him a natural edge in range control.

To put it simply, both men are dangerous strikers, but their styles bring very different threats to the table.

Neal vs Prates: Prediction & Betting Tips

Prates has the tools to pick Neal apart from the outside, but Neal’s ability to pressure and land heavy shots, combined with Prates’ questionable reaction to big punches last time out, makes the upset a real possibility.

If the Brazilian maintains distance and lands his kicks early, he could set the tone and punish Neal every time he walks into range to try and land something. That said, the American’s punching power is elite, and if he can get inside on Prates, the 31-year-old’s durability will face a serious test.

This fight is such a fun matchup, and one of my favourites on this entire card. I’m struggling to split the two as both could end the fight with one shot. Purely for value reasons, I’m taking Geoff Neal to win by KO/TKO at odds of 6.00.