Steve Garcia Bio
Estevan Garcia Jr., known professionally as Steve Garcia, is an American mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on May 22, 1992, Garcia has been active in professional MMA since 2013 and has also competed in Bellator’s bantamweight division. As of November 4, 2025, he is ranked #8 in the UFC featherweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Steve Garcia was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and currently resides in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Inspired by his friends, he began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 15 at a satellite gym of Greg Jackson’s. He further developed his skills in jiu-jitsu and kickboxing at Luttrell’s MMA before transitioning to the renowned Jackson-Wink MMA team, where he continues to train.
Path to MMA
Garcia’s early exposure to MMA through local gyms in New Mexico laid the foundation for his professional career. Beginning his fighting journey in 2013, he initially competed in the bantamweight division before moving up to lightweight and eventually settling in the featherweight class. His progression through weight classes reflects his physical development and strategic career decisions within the sport.
Steve Garcia Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Steve Garcia made his professional debut in 2013 and quickly made a name for himself in Bellator MMA. He was scheduled to debut against Shawn Bunch at Bellator 97 but withdrew due to injury. Garcia eventually faced Bunch at Bellator 105, securing a third-round TKO victory. He continued his winning streak with notable knockouts and decision wins, including a swift knockout of Cody Walker and a split decision over Kin Moy. His early career was marked by aggressive striking and resilience, although he experienced his first professional loss in 2016 against Ricky Turcios by split decision.
Bellator and Transition Period (2016–2018)
Garcia rebounded from his first loss with a unanimous decision win over Ronnie Lawrence. Despite scheduled bouts being canceled due to opponents missing weight or other issues, Garcia remained active. He faced veteran Joe Warren in 2017 but lost by unanimous decision. In early 2018, Bellator released Garcia, prompting him to seek opportunities elsewhere to continue his MMA career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2020–Present)
Garcia made his UFC debut on February 29, 2020, stepping in on short notice. Although he lost his first UFC fight against Luis Peña via unanimous decision, he quickly established himself as a formidable featherweight contender. Garcia secured a second-round TKO victory over Charlie Ontiveros in October 2021 and earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses for his exciting finishes, including first-round TKOs against Chase Hooper and Seung Woo Choi. His aggressive striking and ability to recover from setbacks have defined his UFC tenure. In 2025, Garcia continued his momentum with knockout wins and a unanimous decision victory over Calvin Kattar, solidifying his position among the top featherweights.
Driving Style and Strengths
Steve Garcia is known for his aggressive striking style, combining powerful punches and kicks with effective ground-and-pound techniques. His reach of 190 cm and height of 183 cm give him a physical advantage in the featherweight division. Training under Jackson’s MMA, Garcia has developed strong tactical skills and resilience, often overwhelming opponents with pressure and finishing fights decisively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Garcia’s career highlights include multiple Performance of the Night awards in the UFC, showcasing his ability to deliver exciting finishes. His first UFC win by TKO against Charlie Ontiveros marked a turning point, followed by a notable comeback victory over Shayilan Nuerdanbieke. His knockout of David Onama in 2025 earned him another performance bonus and demonstrated his continued evolution as a top contender.
Steve Garcia Career Wins
Throughout his professional MMA career, Steve Garcia has amassed 19 wins out of 24 fights. His victories include knockouts, submissions, and decisions across multiple promotions, reflecting his versatility and skill set.
Bellator MMA Highlights
In Bellator, Garcia recorded several impressive wins, including a third-round TKO over Shawn Bunch and a rapid knockout of Cody Walker in just 39 seconds. His time in Bellator helped establish his reputation as a powerful striker and durable competitor.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Garcia has secured multiple wins in the UFC featherweight division, including first-round TKOs over Chase Hooper and Seung Woo Choi. His victory over Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision in 2025 stands out as a significant achievement against a seasoned opponent. Garcia’s UFC record is marked by exciting finishes and consistent performances that have earned him a top-ten ranking.
Steve Garcia Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Steve Garcia’s family background and lineage are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Information regarding Garcia’s personal life, including marital status or children, is not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Steve Garcia has demonstrated strong form in the UFC featherweight division. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Calvin Kattar and followed with a first-round technical knockout against David Onama, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Despite a canceled bout against Edson Barboza due to injury, Garcia’s momentum remains positive. His partnership with Jackson’s MMA continues to support his development, positioning him as a serious contender for future title opportunities.