The UFC returns for its final event of 2020 on Saturday night with UFC Fight Night from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, as No. 5-ranked contender Stephen Thompson battles No. 11-ranked contender Geoff Neal in welterweight action.
Thompson, a former two-time welterweight title challenger, returns from a 13-month layoff. He last fought at UFC 244 in November 2019, defeating Vicente Luque via unanimous decision in a bout that earned "Fight of the Night" honors. Thompson has been looking for a high-caliber opponent, and he finally received one.
Neal enters into the biggest fight of his career on a tear. He has won seven consecutive contests, with the last five coming in the UFC. Out of the seven victories, six of those have come via stoppage (five KO/TKO, one submission). His last defeat was to middleweight contender Kevin Holland in January 2017.
This is a significant bout for Thompson and Neal. The winner is going to shoot themselves right into the title conversation.
Here is everything you need to know about UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal.
When is UFC Fight Night: Stephen Thompson vs. Geoff Neal?
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 19
- Prelims: 4 p.m. ET
- Main card: 7 p.m. ET
UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal takes place Saturday night, Dec. 19. Prelims get underway at 4 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET.
How to watch UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal TV, live stream info
In the United States, the prelims and main card are on ESPN+.
In Canada, the prelims (5 p.m. ET) and main card are on TSN5.
In the U.K., UFC Fight Night can be seen live BT Sport 1 (prelims at 10 p.m. GMT and main card at Midnight).
In Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain, the UFC Fight Night main card (1 a.m. CET Sunday) is available on DAZN, the global sports streaming service.
More details about how to watch in other countries can be found at UFC.com.
Where is UFC Fight Night?
UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Thompson competes at the Apex for the first time and Neal will also be fighting there for the first time.
UFC Fight Night odds
Bet MGM (as of Dec. 15) have installed Thompson and Neal at identical odds. Both guys come in at -110, meaning if you bet $110, you'd net $100.
Stephen Thompson record, bio
- Name: Stephen Thompson
- Nationality: American
- Born: Feb. 11, 1983
- Height: 6-0
- Reach: 75 inches
- Total fights: 20
- Record: 15-4-1
Geoff Neal record, bio
- Name: Geoff Neal
- Nationality: American
- Born: Aug. 28, 1990
- Height: 5-11
- Reach: 75 inches
- Total fights: 15
- Record: 13-2
UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal fight card
Main card
- Stephen Thompson vs. Geoff Neal; Welterweight
- José Aldo vs. Marlon Vera; Bantamweight
- Michel Pereira vs. Khaos Williams; Welterweight
- Marlon Moraes vs. Rob Font; Bantamweight
- Marcin Tybura vs. Greg Hardy; Heavyweight
- Anthony Pettis vs. Alex Morono; Welterweight
Preliminary card
- Sijara Eubanks vs. Pannie Kianzad; Women's Bantamweight
- Deron Winn vs. Antônio Arroyo; Catchweight (195 lb)
- Aiemann Zahabi vs. Drako Rodriguez; Bantamweight
- Tafon Nchukwi vs. Jamie Pickett; Middleweight
- Rick Glenn vs. Carlton Minus; Lightweight