Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates Rebooked for UFC 319 in Chicago Following Previous Setback

The UFC is once again moving forward with plans to match top-tier welterweights Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates, this time at UFC 319 set for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago. According to multiple reports and confirmations obtained, both fighters have agreed to the rebooking after their previously scheduled bout fell through earlier this year. The report was first broken by Laerte Viana.

The highly anticipated welterweight clash adds further intrigue to an already stacked card that features Dricus du Plessis defending his UFC middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev in the night’s main event. With high stakes at the top of the bill, the Neal vs. Prates showdown could provide explosive action on the undercard as both men seek to reassert themselves in the highly competitive 170-pound division.

Carlos Prates (21-7), known for his explosive power and relentless striking, was initially set to face Geoff Neal in April at UFC 314. However, that matchup was scrapped after Neal was forced to withdraw from the bout. With Neal out, Prates was rebooked just two weeks later as the headliner for UFC Kansas City, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Ian Machado Garry.

That defeat marked a significant moment in Prates’ career, ending a remarkable six-year unbeaten streak. During that dominant run, Prates scored four consecutive knockouts, showcasing his elite finishing ability with wins over respected names like Jingliang Li and Neil Magny since making his UFC debut the year before.

Despite the recent setback, the Brazilian striker remains a potent threat in the welterweight ranks and will be eager to get back in the win column with a statement performance in Chicago.

Geoff Neal (16-6), nicknamed “Handz of Steel,” has been inactive since October 2024, when he secured an impressive victory over former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. That win was crucial for Neal’s career momentum, as it helped him bounce back from consecutive losses to

Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov, two of the division’s rising contenders.

Known for his devastating knockout power and toughness, Neal has long been a fixture in the UFC welterweight top 15 and has shared the cage with several elite opponents. With the rescheduling of his bout against Prates, Neal will look to capitalize on the opportunity to climb back into title contention and deliver the kind of performance that originally made him one of the most feared strikers at 170 pounds.

While Prates has shown durability and knockout prowess, Neal brings veteran experience and a granite chin into the cage. The stylistic matchup is expected to produce fireworks, with both men having much to prove following turbulent recent runs.

The UFC 319 event is shaping up to be one of the promotion’s most compelling cards of the year, and the addition of this rebooked welterweight showdown only adds to the anticipation. With both fighters eyeing a move up the rankings, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Now, with both fighters healthy and locked in, all eyes turn to Chicago on August 16, where Neal and Prates will finally settle unfinished business in what promises to be a pivotal welterweight clash.