With the top of the UFC’s featherweight division featuring a slew of names that range from the reigning champ Ilia Topuria to the streaking Diego Lopes, it’s not hard to make a case for multiple 145ers on the come-up when it comes to awarding 2024’s Under-the-Radar Fighter of the Year.
Although fighters like Lerone Murphy and Sean Woodson were under consideration, I found it hard to deny Steve Garcia given his current form and winning streak.
Despite technically competing just twice this year, Garcia was able to accrue violent, bonus-winning stoppages each time out.
STEVE GARCIA IN ROUND ONE #UFCVegas94 pic.twitter.com/hFd7rOkgZ6
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 21, 2024
Not only is Garcia riding a five-fight winning streak, but the “Mean Machine” currently finds himself tied for the fourth most consecutive knockouts in UFC history (5). All his wins on this run are finishes.
These hellbows from Steve Garcia pic.twitter.com/n6KXPWFqrQ
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 10, 2023
For those who’ve been following him since his days on the Bellator prelims, Garcia has always been an action-first fighter with a propensity for violence. However, his constant switching of weight classes appeared to lend itself to the inconsistency that the American was experiencing in the earlier parts of his career.
But with Garcia settling into his natural home of 145 pounds, he seems to be finally putting all of his skills together under the care of his longtime camp, Jackson-Wink MMA.
Sweet single leg counter by Steve Garcia. pic.twitter.com/C3mkR71YuJ
— Feño (@fenoxsky) December 10, 2023
Whether Garcia is demonstrating improved grappling chops or ground-and-pound, the 11-year pro has proven to be a full-fledged MMA fighter who is undeniably in his prime.
I’m not saying Garcia will be your next champion or anything like that, but I think the stage is set for some big splashes at featherweight given the movement at the top of the division. And given Garcia currently is booked in a crossroads fight with a ranked veteran like Edson Barboza to start 2025, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him springboarded into some fun matchups en route to making his presence on the proverbial radar considering his fan-friendly style.
Honorable mention: Anthony Hernandez, Virna Jandiroba, Mingyan Zhang, Jasmine Jasudavicius, Aiemann Zahabi
