Geoff Neal, famously known as “Handz of Steel,” is currently ranked #10 in the UFC’s welterweight division, holding an impressive 15-6-0 record. As he prepares to return to the octagon at UFC 308, excitement is building among fans eager to see him back in action. Neal’s journey to UFC stardom has been shaped by his unique upbringing in the U.S., a background that helped mold him into the powerhouse fighter he is today.

The American mixed martial artist’s resilience and determination have defined his career—qualities heightened by his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening illness. As he gears up for his next fight, fans are curious to learn more about Neal’s roots and the personal battles that have made him a standout in the welterweight division

Where is Geoff Neal from? Ethnicity and nationality

Geoff Neal was born on August 28, 1990, in the United States. Growing up, he explored his athletic talents in soccer, even competing at the university level. Neal initially attended Texas Lutheran University, where he played soccer but found the program unfulfilling, ultimately leading him to pursue his true passion in MMA. Under the coaching of Sayif Saud, Neal developed his distinctive, powerful fighting style that has become his trademark in the octagon.

Neal’s story took a dramatic turn three years ago when, at 34, he was diagnosed with COVID-19. Complications led to a life-threatening battle with sepsis, a challenge Neal confronted with the same resilience he brings to his fights. Despite the adversity, “Handz of Steel” emerged stronger, fighting his way back to health with the courage that inspires fans worldwide.

Geoff Neal began his professional MMA journey in 2012, debuting in a welterweight bout against Steve McAfee at Xtreme Combat Productions: Blood & Glory. Displaying his skill early on, Neal swiftly defeated McAfee with a first-round submission. However, his path wasn’t without setbacks; he encountered his first professional loss in his third fight against Martin Sano.

Today, Neal resides in Dallas, Texas, and fights out of Harker Heights as a proud member of the renowned Fortis MMA team. While fans are well-acquainted with his impressive MMA career, there’s more to “Handz of Steel” beyond the octagon.

More about Geoff Neal’s early life

Geoff Neal attended Copperas Cove High School in Texas, where he shared the halls with former professional football player Robert Griffin III. Neal began his MMA training in March 2010, driven by a passion he revealed in a UFC interview. Today, he has become a star in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, proving that his journey from Copperas Cove to the UFC was meant to be.

Neal said in an interview with the UFC, “I started because I’ve always loved martial arts and I never could. Pursue that because of football.” The BJJ blue belt considers his father as his hero while also admitting that fighting in the UFC is everything to him “It means everything to me. My whole goal when I started MMA was to get into the UFC and become champion. So it would be a dream come true.”, Neal added.

Now after fighting death, and gaining victory in many fights, Neal is coming back at UFC 308 against Rafael dos Anjos. Are you excited to see him fight? Tell us in the comment section below!