When it comes to fighting a technical brawler of Luque’s ilk, Neal feels like he can lead the dance where he wants, but if his toughness and grit is called into question, the Texas native feels like he has plenty of answers for that kind of situation.
“Most of the time in my fights, I use (aggression) against the person,” Neal said. “If you want to get all grimy and sloppy, then go ahead. I can use that against (Luque), but he’s better than most of the people I fought or almost everybody I fought. I’m probably not going to be able to avoid that. It might have to get nasty. I might have to get grimy.”
Even though Neal fell short in his pair of cracks at the top of the welterweight division, he is hoping the third time is the charm against Luque. It’s the kind of breakthrough fight Neal needs after graduating from Dana White’s Contender Series and winning his first five fights in the Octagon, including a decision victory over Muhammad.
Neal knows who he is as a fighter, and despite needing a reminder or two, he is entirely prepared to make the leap and join the welterweight elite.
“I just got to stay focused, stay on the grind,” Neal said. “I’ve worked 12, 13 years of my life just to get here. I’ve got to stop taking it for granted. I’m a UFC fighter. I need to remember that.”