Entering UFC 240 riding a five fight win streak, Geoff Neal — a former contestant on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series — faced the stiffest test of his young career against Niko Price. He pushed the streak to six after earning a TKO victory in the second round.
The fight was filled with heavy punches including an amazing moment in the first round when both fighters appeared to land left hands that temporarily stunned one another.
Round two opened with Neal landing a clean left hand but losing his balance which resulted in the fight turning into a brawl. Both fighters exchanged wild punches before Neal covered defensively and began backing up. Price hunted him before Neal ducked for a takedown.
On the canvas, Price countered with a guillotine choke, but never locked it in. This would ultimately prove to be his downfall as Neal took top position and began with the ground-and-pound. Price attempted to fight back with punches and elbows from the bottom,b ut Neal was landing the heavier hits. Price was flailing around in poor defense, barely seeming alert of his surroundings as Neal continued to rain down punches.
It was actually a little surprising how long referee Dan Miragliotta let the barrage go on, but everytime Price's arms appeared to go limp, he would flail in weak defense some more. Eventually, Miragliotta saw enough and waved it off to give Geoff Neal the TKO victory.
A bloodied Niko Price immediately shot up and paid respect to Geoff Neal for a great fight.
Geoff Neal has now won six straight fights including his first four UFC appearances. He's looking like a serious welterweight contender now. Niko Price is now 5-3 (1 NC) in his last nine fights.