Steve Garcia once again proved he’s got legit stopping power earlier tonight (Sat., Nov. 18, 2023) at UFC Vegas 83 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when the Jackson-Wink MMA product stopped fellow lightweight prospect Melquizael Costa with a bloody second-round TKO (elbows).
This was all Costa from the early going. He was able to control the distance and push Garcia up against the cage. Costa kept pushing for the takedown and threatening back control, but Garcia did show some solid defense along the fence.
Garcia, who is known for his punching power, was able to start the second round standing and that is all he needed. “Mean Machine” landed heavy shots that put Costa on skates. Garcia rushed in, knocked Costa to the canvas, and proceeded to unload relentless punches and elbows that badly bloodied his opponent. The referee eventually stepped in to save Costa from further punishment.
Check out the video highlights below:
STEVE GARCIA GOT THAT DAWG IN HIM
WHAT A BRUTAL FIGHT ENDING SEQUENCE @DrinkMonaco pic.twitter.com/5eeFjLJGli
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 10, 2023
Garcia, 31. is now 4-2 as a member of the UFC roster will all four of those wins coming by knockout. He’s won three straight and just stopped a promising 155-pound prospect. Garcia may not be a future title contender, but he could make a fun run towards top 15 competition in the new year.
For complete UFC Vegas 83 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.