Steve Garcia
Division: Lightweight
Result: Luis Pena def. [autotag]Steve Garcia[/autotag] via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Record: (11-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Grade: C-
Stepping in on short notice is always a big ask, especially in the UFC. But to move up a weight class and accept a fight on six days’ notice against a fired-up Luis Pena? That’s a different level altogether.
That was the task facing debutant Steve Garcia in Norfolk, but the Rio Rancho native, who usually competes at bantamweight or featherweight, showcased his grit and an impressive gas tank as he took “Violent Bob Ross” all the way to the scorecards.
Sure, he ended up on the wrong end of a lop-sided unanimous decision, but Garcia showed plenty to suggest that, with the over-exuberance of a UFC debut out of his system, he could deliver an exciting performance or two inside the octagon in future outings.
Garcia impressed with his striking early in the first round as he repeatedly connected with his punches, but when Pena changed levels and took the debutant to the mat, it was one-way traffic.
Pena dominated on the mat and spent long spells of the three-round bout on Garcia’s back, with the body triangle locked up. It meant Garcia could do little more than fend off Pena’s submission attacks, while looking to score with unorthodox over-the-shoulder punches.
Garcia showed his grit as he toughed his way through a couple of face cranks, but did well not to allow himself to get too frustrated and expose his neck. He also showed he has a submission or two in his arsenal, too, as he caught Pena in a triangle choke at the start of the final round.
Ultimately, Garcia couldn’t secure the finish and he ended up losing 30-27 on all three cards on what would have been a frustrating night for him. But with his grit, composure and some lively hands, Garcia could well prove to be a problem against different opposition next time out.