Steve Garcia

Steve Garcia (born May 22, 1992) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of Ultimate Fighting Championship. Garcia competed in Bellator's bantamweight division.

Background
Inspired by his friends, Garcia initially started training mixed martial arts at Greg Jackson's satellite gym at the age of 15. He then went on to train jiu-jitsu and kickboxing at Luttrell's MMA before moving to Jackson-Wink MMA.

Bellator MMA
Garcia was expected to make his Bellator debut against Shawn Bunch at Bellator 97 on July 31, 2013. However, Garcia pulled out of the fight due to injury and was replaced by Russell Wilson.

The bout with Shawn Bunch was rescheduled for Bellator 105 on October 25, 2013. Garcia defeated Bunch via TKO in the third round.

After signing a new deal with the promotion, Garcia faced Cody Walker at Bellator 121 on June 6, 2014. He won the fight via KO just 39 seconds into the first round.

Garcia faced Kin Moy at Bellator 123 on September 5, 2014. Garcia won the fight via split decision.

Garcia faced Eduardo Bustillos at Bellator 143 on September 25, 2015. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.

Garcia faced Ricky Turcios at Bellator 151 on March 4, 2016. He lost the fight via split decision; the first loss of his professional MMA career.

Garcia faced Ronnie Lawrence at Bellator 162 at October 21, 2016. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Garcia was expected to face Joe Taimanglo at Bellator 174 on March 3, 2017. However, the bout was removed from the fight card after Taimanglo missed weight.

Garcia faced veteran Joe Warren at Bellator 181 on July 14, 2017. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

On February 20, 2018 it was announced that Bellator had released Garcia from the promotion.

Contender Series
Garcia competed on Dana White's Contender Series 25 in August 2019. While he defeated Desmond Torres via TKO in the first round, he was not awarded a UFC contract.

Legacy Fighting Alliance
After the Contender Series, Garcia fought for Legacy Fighting Alliance. He defeated Jose Mariscal via TKO in the second round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Garcia made his promotional debut against Luis Peña, replacing Alex Muñoz on February 29, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 169. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Garcia was scheduled to face Peter Barrett on August 8, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 174. However, on July 25, 2020 Gracia withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Youssef Zalal.

Garcia was scheduled to face Charles Jourdain on March 13, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 187. However, Garcia withdrew from the fight for unknown reasons and was replaced by Marcelo Rojo.

Gracia faced Charlie Ontiveros on October 9, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 194. He won the bout via second round technical knockout.

Garcia was scheduled to face Damir Hadžović on April 23, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 205. The fight was scrapped after visa issues on the part of Damir.

Garcia faced Hayisaer Maheshate on June 11, 2022 at UFC 275. He lost the bout after getting knocked out in the first round.

Garcia faced Chase Hooper on October 29, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 213. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.

Garcia faced Shayilan Nuerdanbieke April 8, 2023, at UFC 287. After being knocked down, Garcia won the fight via TKO in the second round via body kick and then ground and pound.

Garcia was scheduled to face Sean Woodson on August 5, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 50. However, Garcia pulled out due to an injury.

Gracia was scheduled to face Melquizael Costa on December 2, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 52. However, the bout was scrapped when Garcia withdrew the day before due to an illness. The pair was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 233 on December 9, 2023. Garcia won the fight via knockout in round two.

Garcia faced Seung Woo Choi on July 20, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 60. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round. This fight earned him a Performance of the Night award.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Seung Woo Choi