Fernie Garcia Record: 10-5-0

UFC run

The step up to the Octagon proved a stern test. Garcia made his promotional debut at UFC 274 in May 2022, dropping a unanimous decision to Journey Newson in a competitive three-rounder. He returned that November and again came up short on the cards, losing a unanimous decision to Brady Hiestand. In August 2023 he faced unbeaten Japanese prospect Rinya Nakamura and was outpointed over three rounds. His most recent bout came in February 2024 against another undefeated rising star, Hyder Amil, who stopped Garcia by standing TKO in the second round. The UFC stretch underlined how thin the margins are at the elite level, with several of his losses coming in close, hard-fought decisions.

Fighting style

Garcia is a grappling-first fighter whose calling card is his chained submissions, particularly the rear-naked choke that accounts for all three of his career submission wins. His overall finishing rate sits around 40 percent, with six of his ten wins coming by decision – a profile that speaks to a control-heavy, position-driven approach rather than one built on one-punch power. That said, his Contender Series knockout of Weems showed he can hurt opponents on the feet when the opening is there. Against the rising tier of UFC competition his striking defense has been exposed at times, and several of his Octagon losses have come on the scorecards, suggesting he needs to add output and urgency to swing the close ones his way.

Career highlights

• Contender Series knockout — finished Joshua Weems in the first round in 2021, with Dana White calling the UFC signing a “no-brainer.”
• Regional grappling resume — earned three career rear-naked choke submissions, building a control-and-finish identity through the LFA before reaching the UFC.
• Fortis MMA product — developed his game at one of the sport’s top gyms under coach Sayif Saud, sharing a room with proven UFC talent.