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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Nolan King

UFC 298 results: Ian Machado Garry outstrikes Geoff Neal, calls out Colby Covington

It wasn’t the nasty grudge match with a massive knockout finish some fight fans may have been expecting, but Ian Machado Garry won his fight over Geoff Neal with a display of technical striking.

The welterweight bout was part of the UFC 298 main card at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., and saw Garry (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) defeat Neal (15-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC) by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27).

Garry took a measured, disciplined approach. Most of his success came from technical striking, as he circled away from Neal, who struggled to find his rhythm.

While Neal found isolated time pockets of success, and could’ve understandably won the fight 29-28, according to judge Derek Cleary, it wasn’t enough to get the majority on his side.

After the decision, Garry was booed – and he encouraged that booing, which resulted in even more boos. During his time on the microphone with Joe Rogan, Garry called out former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington.

“I want to retire you from the UFC, Colby,” Garry said.

The bout between Garry and Neal was initially scheduled for August, but fell through due to an injury to Neal. In the meantime, heat was lit under the matchup as Garry sported a t-shirt with Neal’s mug shot on it. Garry also posted a video of his reaction to Neal’s withdrawal that indicated he thought Neal was faking.

Despite the nasty build, both fighters remained largely respectful during fight week and high-fived numerous times in the bout. Afterward, Garry and Neal shook hands and embraced.

Garry maintains a perfect promotional and career record with what’s widely regarded as his biggest win to date. Other notable UFC wins to date include Neil Magny and Daniel Rodriguez.

A brash trash-talker who oozes confidence, Garry encountered a tremendous amount of negativity in response to his attitude, as well as rumors about his personal life and the use of his wife’s mother’s last name.

Neal falls into a two-fight skid and has now lost four of his most recent six bouts, though all of those defeats have come vs. ranked competition.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 298 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 298.

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