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].