UFC Top 15 fighter surprises by revealing personal drama and substance abuse during his career.

Geoff Neal in victory at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Currently ranked 12th in the UFC welterweight division (up to 77 kg), Geoff Neal opened his heart. The American, who has a fight scheduled against Uros Medic at UFC Houston on February 21st, recently spoke about a silent battle he has faced against substance abuse in recent years.

In an interview with the 'Home of Fight' channel, the athlete opened up about the personal challenges he faced outside the octagon over the past five years and how this directly impacted his fight preparation. The 'Handz of Steel' recalled the support of his wife, who, according to him, was there for him every step of the way. Having overcome this turbulent period, Geoff Neal stated that he is now living "life again for the first time."

“Around the time of COVID, when I had sepsis, I ended up falling into a hole. This is the first time I've talked about it. I had problems with addiction, drugs, and alcohol. It was a difficult five years. During that time, the longest period I was sober was about two weeks, and it was usually just before fights. I would only cut back two weeks before competing, arriving unprepared and out of shape.”

It was complicated. It's crazy to think I stayed ranked for all that time. Thank God for my wife. She was by my side the whole time, through the highs and lows. It feels like for the last five years I wasn't really living. I was there, but I wasn't present.

Anyone who has struggled with addiction understands when I say that I am truly living and experiencing life again for the first time. Today, when I see alcoholic beverages, I even feel nauseous. I don't believe I will drink again,” the American said.

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Geoff Neal's current situation

Entering a new phase, Geoff Neal also seeks to recover from his last career defeat. The American lost to Carlos Prates via knockout at UFC 319 in August 2025. The 'Handz of Steel' returns to the octagon against Uros Medic at UFC Houston on February 21st.

Currently ranked 12th in the division, Neal, 35, has a record of 16 wins and seven losses in his professional MMA career. The American has been with Dana White's company since 2018.

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