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On December 8, the renowned EA UFC 4 video game added Shavkat Rakhmonov and two other new fightersm but not Geoff Neal. Neal, despite being ranked three places higher in the division than the European, wasn't included in the update.
'Handz of Steel' fought his way into the promotion through the Contender Series and has looked like a force in the welterweight division ever since. Having only lost two times since his debut in 2018, the heavy-hitter is looking better each time he steps into the cage and is ready to make a serious push toward UFC gold.
While discussing the recent addition of Shavkat Rakhmonov into UFC 4, Geoff Neal insisted that, even if he ever captured the 170lb title, EA Sports should never add him to the video game after being dismissed on multiple occasions.
"Man, at this point, don't even put me in the damn game, I'm good. They're going to put Shavkat in there before me? I mean, it is what it is. I guess it has something to do with popularity, but I don't want to be in the game now, I'm good. It's super disrespectful, don't put me in the game now. Once I have the belt around my waist, don't put me in the game, just leave me out."
Despite being the company's most played video game, UFC 4 has come into criticism for failing to add a large number of ranked fighters to the roster despite being released for over two years.
Only recently have Islam Makhachev, Alex Pereira, and others been added to the game despite being clear title challengers at the time. Jamahal Hill is fighting for the light heavyweight championship next year and still hasn't been added.
Check out what Geoff Neal had to say about his inclusion in the UFC game in the video below.
When is Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov happening?
Geoff Neal and Shavkat Rakhmonov are set to collide during the first event of 2023, where the UFC will head to the Apex in a Fight Night card headlined by Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum.
The undefeated Kazakhstani welterweight will look to extend his winning run in the octagon as he bulldozes his way through the rankings and a potential future title shot.
Alongside the main and co-main events, Dan Ige will meet Damon Jackson in a fight-of-the-year contender clash, Umar Nurmagomedov looks to continue his dominance, and Ketlen Vieira and Raquel Pennington meet in a title eliminator.
