UPDATE: In a stunning display of power, UFC featherweight Steve Garcia overwhelmed David Onama with a first-round TKO at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on July 15, 2023. Garcia, now boasting a record of 19-5, extended his winning streak to seven with this decisive victory, finishing Onama at the 3:34 mark of the round.
This match marked a significant turning point for Garcia, who delivered one of the most lopsided performances of his career. The fight showcased Garcia’s relentless pressure and striking precision, as he landed multiple left hands that left Onama unable to recover. Remarkably, Onama, with a record of 14-3, suffered his first TKO loss in his professional career and managed to land only five strikes throughout the bout, according to UFC Stats.
Garcia stated: “I’ve said before, my dad told me to be violent in there. My dad asked for it and I tried to deliver. It’s kill or be killed in here.” His aggressive approach paid off, as he walked Onama down from the opening bell, demonstrating no hesitation to engage.
Garcia, 33, known for his high-pressure, standup fighting style, escalated his game against Onama. He quickly put his opponent on shaky legs within the first two minutes, leading to a flurry of punches that culminated in the TKO finish. This victory marked the 15th finish of Garcia’s career, with all finishes achieved by knockout.
Immediately following the bout, Garcia made headlines with his bold call-out of former featherweight champion and lightweight contender Max Holloway, declaring, “I want that BMF, Max Holloway, championship fight.” This statement has sparked chatter among fans and analysts about Garcia’s potential next steps in a highly competitive featherweight division.
The loss was particularly deflating for Onama, who had entered the fight with a four-match winning streak and was competing in his first UFC main event. Both fighters were ranked 12th and 13th in the UFC featherweight division, respectively, making this matchup crucial for their standings.
Prior to this bout, Garcia’s most notable victory came in July when he defeated UFC veteran Calvin Kattar by decision, hinting at his rising status in the UFC. Fans are now eager to see how Garcia’s powerful performance will influence his trajectory in the featherweight rankings.
The immediate future holds exciting potential for Garcia, as he aims for a title shot while Onama seeks to regroup and bounce back from this tough setback. Stay tuned for further developments in the UFC featherweight division as this story unfolds.