Home / Sports / UFC's Geoff Neal Reveals Secret Battle With Addiction
UFC's Geoff Neal Reveals Secret Battle With Addiction
12 Feb
Summary
- UFC fighter Geoff Neal battled drug and alcohol addiction for five years.
- A health crisis involving sepsis in 2020 triggered his downward spiral.
- He credits the '75 Hard' challenge for his recovery and renewed focus.
UFC Welterweight Geoff Neal is set to return to the Octagon on February 21, 2026, facing Uros Medic at UFC Houston. This fight marks a significant comeback for Neal, who has been grappling with a private war against drug addiction and alcoholism for the past five years. His struggles intensified around the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, following a life-threatening health crisis involving sepsis.
Neal disclosed that his addiction was severe, with the longest sober period being only two weeks, often before fights. He never underwent formal rehabilitation, instead finding his reset through the demanding '75 Hard' challenge. This program helped him achieve sobriety, leading to a profound change in his life. He expresses immense gratitude to his wife for her unwavering support through this difficult period.
Now sober and experiencing life anew, Neal feels he has a second chance and is determined not to waste it. He believes he should have already been a champion but acknowledges his career's downward trajectory due to his personal battles. With renewed clarity and purpose, Neal is focused on his upcoming fight against Medic, aiming to reignite his championship aspirations.
