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The UFC Mexico broadcast delivered disappointing news for fight fans eagerly anticipating the welterweight clash between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates at UFC 314. Neal has officially withdrawn from the bout due to injury, leaving Prates without an opponent just two weeks ahead of the highly anticipated event scheduled for April 12 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The UFC confirmed that updates regarding Prates' next fight will be announced soon, leaving fans speculating about potential replacements.
Breaking: The fight between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates at #UFC314 has been cancelled due to an injury to Neal, Jon Anik announced on the #UFCMexico broadcast. pic.twitter.com/iVrqxsM7l4
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 30, 2025
A Major Blow to the UFC 314 Lineup
Geoff Neal’s withdrawal is a significant shake-up for UFC 314, which boasts a stacked card headlined by a vacant featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. Neal, a staple of the welterweight division and ranked inside the top 15, was set to face one of the division’s hottest prospects in Carlos Prates. The bout had all the makings of a fan-friendly “striker vs. striker” matchup, with both fighters known for their knockout power and aggressive styles.
Neal (16-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC) was coming off a first-round knockout win over Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 308 in October 2024, a victory that snapped a two-fight skid and reignited his career. His experience and technical striking were expected to test Prates (21-6 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who has been on an incredible tear since joining the promotion. Prates, nicknamed “The Nightmare,” has finished all four of his UFC opponents via knockout, earning Performance of the Night bonuses in each outing.
The cancellation leaves fans wondering what could have been in a matchup that many believed would determine if Prates is ready to challenge elite competition in the welterweight division.
What’s Next for Carlos Prates?
With Geoff Neal out, all eyes are now on Carlos Prates and who might step up to face him on short notice. The Brazilian phenom has quickly become one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC thanks to his devastating knockout power and relentless finishing ability. At just 27 years old, Prates has already built an impressive resume that includes wins over Neil Magny, Jingliang Li, Charles Radtke, and Trevin Giles—all via stoppage.
Prates’ momentum makes him an attractive option for any fighter looking to make a statement in the welterweight division. However, finding a suitable replacement on such short notice will be challenging. The UFC may look to other unbooked contenders or rising prospects willing to take on the high-risk opportunity of facing Prates.
The Impact on UFC 314
Despite this setback, UFC 314 remains one of the most anticipated cards of the year. The event features several high-profile matchups, including Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event and Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull in a featherweight showdown. However, losing Neal vs. Prates—a bout that promised fireworks—leaves a noticeable void on the main card.
For Geoff Neal, this withdrawal marks another frustrating chapter in his career plagued by injuries and setbacks over recent years. While details surrounding his withdrawal remain unclear as of now, fans hope he can recover quickly and return to action later this year. As for Carlos Prates, his journey toward becoming a top contender continues despite this disruption. Whether he faces a new opponent at UFC 314 or is rescheduled for another event, “The Nightmare” remains one of the most exciting talents to watch in MMA today.
With just two weeks until fight night, fans eagerly await news from the UFC regarding Prates’ next opponent—and whether this Miami card can maintain its blockbuster appeal despite this unfortunate shake-up.
