COPPERAS COVE, TX, January 3, 2011 – Growing up in the football rich environment of Central Texas, Geoffrey Neal did not discover Mixed Martial Arts until just a few years ago. Instead, he focused his talents on the gridiron. Attending the same high school where 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III (Baylor) led the team to the state championship, the 5’11” 190 lbs. Neal manned the defense as an outside linebacker for the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs – a position where it paid a premium to be a hard hitter for a defense that always welcomed those who liked to hit. After graduating high school, Geoffrey landed at nearby Texas Lutheran University for a short while before finding himself back home. It was then that he switched gears to “pursue a passion” in MMA.

Nowadays, Geoffrey Neal still hits people but it’s in the cage and not on the field. What’s even better for him is that he doesn’t have to wait for them to come his way with a ball in order to do it or a team to rely upon to call the plays. Once that caged door is locked, it’s his time to go.

Starting his MMA career in 2010, Mr. Neal rang off six wins in a row while fighting in amateur promotions from Oklahoma, Louisiana, San Antonio, and beyond.

Capitalizing on his supreme athletic ability and competitive spirit honed through all those years on the gridiron, he finished 5 out of his first 6 victories by KO/TKO – displaying that combination of strength and speed that characterize blue chip pro prospects in this sport.

He seemed unbeatable until this past November, when he picked up his first loss as an MMA Athlete at Houston’s Cage Combat 6 against Levi “2 Fly” West. To be fair, the result of that fight was highly-disputed with the split decision ruled in favor of West hotly debated enough to be included in our 2011 TXMMA Awards in a ‘Controversy of the Year’ nomination.

But alas, no matter how it argued, the judges’ cards remain the same, never to be a changed. A loss is a loss but at least it’s one that he look past. That’s what they make amateur fights for… At this stage of the game it’s more about lessons than W’s or L’s on MMA.tv.

Having learned a valuable lesson with that last fight, Geoffrey Neal will now step back into MMA competition this Friday night at Cage Combat 7 in Humble when he takes on BC Compton. Based on lessons learned from his last, it doesn’t seem like he intends for this one to go to the judges.

Interview – Geoffrey Neal

For those that don’t know Geoff, can you tell us a little bit about how you got into MMA. 

When I was a kid I always wanted to do some kind of martial arts, but never really had the time to do so because football was more of a priority for me. I played for Copperas Cove so EVERYTHING was about football. When I graduated things really didn’t go my way with college and recruiting. I ended up going to a small D3 school and really didn’t like the program. That’s when I decided I was gonna pursue my passion to compete as a fighter. I went back home, got a job, and found me a gym.

How long have you been training now? What’s it like training at Twin Wolves out in Harker Heights, TX?

I started in April of 2010 so it’s getting close to two years for me. Training at Twin Wolves is great. We have great instructors and a good family atmosphere. We don’t have a huge stable of fighters yet but I guess I look at that as a good thing for me because the ones we do have now get way better training. It’s the best gym in Central Texas, hands down.

How would you classify yourself as a fighter style-wise? What are some of your future goals in the sport?

I would say I’m more of a striker but I really don’t want to get caught up in the whole being a striker thing, because I want to be great in all aspects of fighting. I really just want to be the best fighter I can possibly become. Make a name for myself, make some money, and give it back to the community.

Do you have any other hobbies besides training? Tell us more about your life outside the cage.

I’m a huge video game nerd. When I’m not training or working, you can guarantee I’m on my Xbox. My life has been pretty relaxed since I started fighting. Before this, I was always with my friends just having a good time. Everything has been going fast since I started. I fit it all seven of my fights within a 13 month period. So my life now is nothing but work, training, and fighting. And I love it. Without sacrifice, there can be no victory.

How did you feel about being nominated for the controversy of the year award in the 2011 TXMMA Awards. Any lingering thoughts on that fight with Levi West?

It was kind of bitter-sweet. I felt good about being nominated for a reward but it was for a fight that I lost. As far as the fight with Levi, for awhile i felt like I won, but I just decided to swallow my pride and take it for a loss. Cause that’s exactly what it is. A loss. I should’ve finished it when I had the chance.

How do you plan on bouncing back in this one at Cage Combat 7 and what do you know about your opponent?

Just by training harder and harder. Which I’ve been doing for two months. All I know about my next opponent is that he is 2-2 and that is it.

Without giving away your game plan, any thoughts on how this fight will go?

Even though I don’t know anything about him, I’m confident in myself that wherever the fight goes I will dominate. Standing, on the ground, clinch, wherever. I’m very focused.

What’s next for you after this fight? Any plans?

Right after I’m heading to Florida to train at Daniel Moraes’ gym to get me ready for my fight in California on February 11th.

Why should people buy tickets to watch you fight on Friday? Any last words for the fans?

Because I promise to give fight fans exactly what they paid for – Which is an exciting fight win or lose.

Any last words before Cage Combat 7 this Friday?

I would like to thank my Dad, Mom, and my sister, my roommate/instructor Kasib, my fight manager Hector, my training partners, the rest of my Twin Wolves fam, and everyone one else who supports me, friends and family. And last but not least I also want to thank God. Without him nothing I do would be possible.

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