UFC 330 matchup saved as Islam Makhachev's sparring partner steps in to replace injured Geoff Neal

Joel Alvarez will replace injured Geoff Neal at UFC 330, scheduled for August 15, 2026, after stepping in on short notice. Alvarez, who has been training with Islam Makhachev's camp in preparation for Makhachev's bout against Ian Machado Garry, will face Chidi Njokuani at the Philadelphia event. His presence in Makhachev's training camp made the short-notice acceptance logistically straightforward.