Steve Garcia Dominates UFC Vegas 110 Main Event: Rising Featherweight Contender Emerges

Steve Garcia, born Estevan Garcia Jr. on May 22, 1992, is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC’s featherweight division and ranked #12 as of July 2025[2]. Hailing from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Garcia began training in MMA at age 15 at Greg Jackson’s satellite gym, later focusing on jiu-jitsu and kickboxing at Luttrell’s MMA before joining the prestigious Jackson-Wink MMA academy[1][2]. Known by the nickname “Mean Machine,” Garcia stands 6'0" with a 75" reach and fights as a southpaw[1][5]. Garcia turned professional in 2013 and initially made his name in Bellator’s bantamweight division, where he opened his career with eight consecutive wins, including notable finishes over Shawn Bunch, Cody Walker, and Eduardo Bustillos[1]. After appearing on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019—where he won by first-round TKO but missed weight and did not receive a UFC contract—he competed in Legacy Fighting Alliance, securing a second-round TKO victory in his promotional debut[2]. He eventually signed with the UFC, making his debut in 2020 and quickly establishing himself as a dangerous finisher in the featherweight division[3]. Garcia’s UFC tenure has been marked by a string of highlight-reel knockouts. He holds the distinction of being tied for the fourth-longest knockout streak in UFC history, having stopped five consecutive opponents, including Chase Hooper, Seung Woo Choi, Kyle Nelson, and David Onama[1][2]. These performances earned him four Performance of the Night bonuses, underscoring his reputation as one of the division’s most exciting strikers[1][2]. As of late 2025, his professional record stands at 19-5, with a 6-2 record in the UFC octagon and an active five-fight win streak[3][5]. Currently training at Jackson-Wink MMA, Garcia remains a rising threat in the featherweight division, known for his power, resilience, and ability to finish fights. His recent first-round TKO victory over David Onama further solidified his position as a contender to watch, with ongoing speculation about his next steps toward the upper echelon of the division[1][4]. Garcia’s journey from Albuquerque teenager to UFC-ranked featherweight exemplifies both dedication and adaptability, making him a notable figure in contemporary MMA[1][2].

David Onama is a Ugandan professional mixed martial artist, born on June 7, 1994, who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)[6]. Nicknamed the “Silent Assassin,” Onama is recognized as the first Ugandan-born fighter to compete in the UFC, bringing visibility to African MMA talent on the sport’s biggest stage[2]. He stands 5’11” with a 74-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance, currently affiliated with FactoryX Muay Thai[3][4]. Onama began his professional MMA career with a strong regional record, going 8-0 and capturing the FAC (Fight Alliance Championship) 145-pound title in October 2021 with a first-round knockout[2]. His early success earned him a call-up to the UFC, where he made his debut on short notice against Mason Jones in October 2021, stepping in as a significant underdog. Despite losing a unanimous decision, Onama’s aggressive style and resilience made him a fighter to watch[2]. He is known for a high finishing rate, with all 10 of his early career wins coming by stoppage—six by knockout and four by submission—showcasing his well-rounded skills[1]. As of late 2025, Onama holds a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses[3]. In the UFC, he has faced a mix of outcomes, including a notable Fight of the Night performance against Nate Landwehr in August 2022, which he lost by decision[1]. More recently, Onama suffered a first-round technical knockout loss to Jonathan Garcia on November 1, 2025, highlighting the volatility and competitiveness of the UFC’s featherweight division[3]. Earlier in 2025, he earned a unanimous decision victory in April, demonstrating his ability to bounce back from setbacks[3]. Onama remains a relevant figure in the UFC’s 145-pound division, valued for his exciting fighting style and representation of African MMA. While he has yet to break into the divisional rankings, his performances continue to draw attention, and his journey reflects both the challenges and opportunities facing international fighters in the promotion. His recent activity keeps him in the conversation as a potential dark horse in one of MMA’s most talent-rich weight classes.