vs
+170 -188
UFC 275: Teixeira vs. Prochazka · Jun 12, 2022 · Lightweight · Completed
Prev Fight UFC 275: Teixeira vs. Prochazka Next Fight
Age 26
Height 6' 0"
Reach 71"
Weight 155 lbs.
Stance Orthodox
Age 34
Height 6' 0"
Reach 75.0"
Weight 145 lbs.
Stance Southpaw
Career Averages - Maheshate
3.96 SLpM
31.0% Str. Acc.
5.96 SApM
51.0% Str. Def.
0.0 TD Avg
0.0% TD Acc.
47.0% TD Def.
0.0 Sub. Avg
Career Averages - Steve Garcia
5.39 SLpM
49.0% Str. Acc.
2.12 SApM
59.0% Str. Def.
0.86 TD Avg
40.0% TD Acc.
88.0% TD Def.
0.4 Sub. Avg
Maheshate
Moneyline
Caesars +170
KO/TKO
FanDuel +380
Submission
BetWay +2500
Decision
FanDuel +500
Steve Garcia
Moneyline
FanDuel -188
KO/TKO
BetWay +225
Submission
FanDuel +450
Decision
BetMGM +400
Maheshate - Fight History
LOSS vs Gauge Young
Decision R3 5:00 · UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang · Aug 23, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Gauge Young 0 66 of 150 44% 79 of 166 0 of 7 0% 0 0 0:12
Maheshate 0 112 of 200 56% 131 of 221 3 of 6 50% 0 0 3:51
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Gauge Young 0 18 of 44 40% 21 of 48 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:01
Maheshate 0 31 of 53 58% 34 of 56 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:13
2 Gauge Young 0 24 of 52 46% 27 of 55 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:04
Maheshate 0 45 of 78 57% 49 of 83 1 of 3 33% 0 0 1:08
3 Gauge Young 0 24 of 54 44% 31 of 63 0 of 5 0% 0 0 0:07
Maheshate 0 36 of 69 52% 48 of 82 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:30
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Gauge Young 66 of 150 44% 42 of 118 12 of 18 12 of 14 60 of 143 6 of 7 0 of 0
Maheshate 112 of 200 56% 64 of 138 23 of 32 25 of 30 103 of 189 8 of 10 1 of 1
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Gauge Young 18 of 44 40% 5 of 29 6 of 7 7 of 8 18 of 44 0 of 0 0 of 0
Maheshate 31 of 53 58% 9 of 25 9 of 13 13 of 15 27 of 49 4 of 4 0 of 0
2 Gauge Young 24 of 52 46% 18 of 45 3 of 4 3 of 3 22 of 49 2 of 3 0 of 0
Maheshate 45 of 78 57% 32 of 59 7 of 10 6 of 9 43 of 75 1 of 2 1 of 1
3 Gauge Young 24 of 54 44% 19 of 44 3 of 7 2 of 3 20 of 50 4 of 4 0 of 0
Maheshate 36 of 69 52% 23 of 54 7 of 9 6 of 6 33 of 65 3 of 4 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Maheshate Hayisaer vs. Gauge Young

Round 1
The top prelim bout at UFC Shanghai, for whatever that distinction is worth on an all-ESPN card, features Midwest lightweight veteran Young against the mononymous Tibetan Maheshate. Referee Herb Dean motions the fighters to go to work and they comply, setting up in matching orthodox stances. Young strikes first with a body kick. Maheshate stalks forward, landing a kick of his own, and snaps Young’s head back with a right cross. Dean cautions the native fighter not to extend his fingers. Maheshate tags Young with another long, straight right hand. Young is bleeding a bit from the brow. Maheshate comes up short with a pair of murderous-looking hooks, and Young nails him on the counter, dropping him to his seat, mostly off balance. Maheshate pops back to his feet and lands a jab. Young with a hard low kick. Dean pauses the action and warns both fighters to watch their fingers. A few seconds later, he stops them again and gives the same warning, but when they go back to work, the fingers are once again extended—especially Maheshate’s. Young changes levels for a nice double-leg, running Maheshate to the cage, where he uses the fence to stand. Maheshate tries a whizzer kick but can’t get Young down. They end up the round tangled against the fence.
10-9 Hayisaer.

Round 2
Maheshate lands the first solid strike of the round, a straight right as Young is coming forward. Young drops down for a takedown attempt, but Maheshate allows himself to be driven to the cage, which keeps him upright. They disengage. Young lands a nice low kick and eats a jab on the counter. Young with another leg kick. Young is doing a solid job getting into range on the faster and much taller fighter. Young snaps back the head of Maheshate with a double jab, takes one in return and then comes back with another. Maheshate steps forward and Young grabs a double collar tie, punishing him with a knee up the middle. Young seems to be building momentum, landing more and better shots than his foe, but with 90 seconds to go in the round, Maheshate plants his feet and lands a solid right. Young shakes it off, comes in behind punches and changes levels for a takedown. He hauls his man down, moves to mount and takes his foe’s back with 10 seconds to go. Maheshate shakes him over the top and gets back to his feet at the horn.
10-9 Young.

Round 3
Young catches Maheshate with a low kick, slips a level elbow inside and then meets a level change head-on and comes out on top in the ensuing scramble. They disengage by mutual assent and go back to work on the feet. Young is suddenly the sharper striker, backing up the taller man and landing accurate punches. Young walks Maheshate into the fence, where he holds him up with an underhook and throws short punches and knees to the body. Maheshate shucks him off, lands a grazing knee and they break up, meeting back in the center of the cage. Half the round is down and the lightweights are exchanging single strikes in the middle of the Octagon. Maheshate runs Young to the fence with a double-leg, switches to a single, but can’t finish the takedown and they come off the fence. Maheshate slips a pair of punches and comes back with a hard right hand. Young clinches, they go careening into the fence and Maheshate tries a hip throw from an overhook. It goes nowhere, and the final horn sounds.
10-9 Young (29-28 Young).

The Official Result
Gauge Young def. Maheshate Hayisaer via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Lean picked Aug 17, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Maheshate

Angelo gives a slight lean to Maheshate, calling him a fun striker who can hang in a firefight and mix in traditional martial arts techniques. He notes that Gauge Young is a well-rounded prospect but hasn't shown success at the UFC level. He admits this is not a confident pick and that he despises tracking picks equally because of low-confidence picks like this.

"I think Gage is the better fighter here. But without any actual success at this level, I'm going to have to slightly lean the local guy. Slight lean to Mahashete here, but there are a lot of fights on this …"
BI
Big Brady Expert Lean picked Aug 21, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Gauge Young

Big Brady picks Gauge Young to win by decision, though he admits he is not a fan of either fighter. He criticizes Maheshate's low striking accuracy and poor chin, and notes that Young has better volume and durability. He expects a close fight on the feet and believes Young will do enough to win a decision.

Gauge Young by decision
"Gage Young by decision will be the pick though."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Aug 21, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Gauge Young

The host acknowledges a lot of money has come in on Maheshate, but still believes Young is the superior striker. He thinks Young's durability will help him eat big shots from Maheshate and eventually get to his own volume striking style, leading to a knockout.

win by KO/TKO
"I still think Young is the superior striker, and his durability should help him eat some of these big shots from Mahashate and eventually get to his own volume style of striking, which I think will eventually lead to Young …"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Aug 22, 2025 (1 day before fight)
Gauge Young

The MMA Guru picks Gauge Young, noting that Young looked good on the Contender Series and had a competitive fight with Evan Elder. He admits he doesn't remember much about Maheshate, who has a 50/50 record in the UFC and hasn't beaten anyone good. He believes Young's ability to build as fights go on will be an advantage.

"I'm going to go with Gage Young over Mahashe. Gage Young's going to win."
LOSS vs Nikolas Motta
Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) R3 5:00 · UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo · Nov 23, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Nikolas Motta 0 56 of 169 33% 60 of 173 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Maheshate 2 78 of 166 46% 87 of 183 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:32
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Nikolas Motta 0 16 of 44 36% 16 of 44 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Maheshate 1 25 of 63 39% 32 of 74 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:07
2 Nikolas Motta 0 24 of 66 36% 24 of 66 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Maheshate 0 25 of 54 46% 25 of 57 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:05
3 Nikolas Motta 0 16 of 59 27% 20 of 63 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Maheshate 1 28 of 49 57% 30 of 52 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:20
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Nikolas Motta 56 of 169 33% 29 of 133 9 of 13 18 of 23 53 of 160 3 of 9 0 of 0
Maheshate 78 of 166 46% 61 of 144 7 of 11 10 of 11 67 of 147 2 of 7 9 of 12
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Nikolas Motta 16 of 44 36% 7 of 33 4 of 5 5 of 6 14 of 41 2 of 3 0 of 0
Maheshate 25 of 63 39% 18 of 52 2 of 5 5 of 6 24 of 60 1 of 3 0 of 0
2 Nikolas Motta 24 of 66 36% 11 of 51 2 of 3 11 of 12 24 of 62 0 of 4 0 of 0
Maheshate 25 of 54 46% 19 of 47 3 of 4 3 of 3 24 of 50 1 of 4 0 of 0
3 Nikolas Motta 16 of 59 27% 11 of 49 3 of 5 2 of 5 15 of 57 1 of 2 0 of 0
Maheshate 28 of 49 57% 24 of 45 2 of 2 2 of 2 19 of 37 0 of 0 9 of 12
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Nov 17, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Nikolas Motta

Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as an underdog, citing Maheshate's sloppiness and hittability. He believes Motta is faster, more accurate, and a better striker. He notes both are chinny but Motta's technical edge should prevail. He will sprinkle if the line widens to +200 or +250.

plus 176 underdog; will sprinkle if line widens to +200 or +250
"Nicholas ma is going to be the faster better more accurate striker in this matchup and he's a plus 176 Underdog that seems insane to me"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Nov 20, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Maheshate

Big Brady picks Maheshate to win by second-round knockout. He notes Maheshate is seven years younger, has a height and reach advantage, and is the more active striker. He highlights that Nikolas Motta has been finished in all five of his losses, including four by knockout, while Maheshate has only one knockout loss. Brady believes both have knockout power but Maheshate has better durability.

fight doesn't go to decision (opened +160, now -250), Maheshate wins by KO in round 2
"I'm going to go with mahate here by second round knockout"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Nov 20, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Maheshate

Cody picks Maheshate, citing his power and youth. He notes that Motta has been knocked out multiple times and fades in later rounds. Maheshate's durability and improving cardio should allow him to win by knockout or decision. He expects a violent finish in Maheshate's favor.

"I think mahot knocks he knocks Nicholas Moda out if he doesn't knock Nicholas Moda out I think he can wrestle in a little bit"
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Lean picked Nov 21, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Maheshate

Daniel Vreeland acknowledges Motta's devastating knockout power, noting 10 of his 14 wins are by KO. However, he believes Maheshate has more tools on the feet and can win a decision if he avoids getting knocked out. He leans towards Maheshate due to his youth, size, and more diverse striking, but admits Motta always has a puncher's chance.

"if it's a three round War I lean a little bit more towards mahate but it's just about if you're picking mat it's because you've concluded that he's gonna come out here and starch mahate"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Hesitant picked Nov 20, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Maheshate

Paul picks Maheshate but is hesitant, noting that both have power and can finish. He thinks Motta has more power but less heart, and Maheshate's volume and durability will be key. He suggests a live bet on Motta by KO early, but expects Maheshate to win if it goes past the first round.

Motta by KO prop
"I think Ma's have some success early so a up by KO prop like plus 375 like I feel like that's most of his path to Victory"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Hesitant picked Nov 21, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Nikolas Motta

The MMA Guru initially considered Maheshate due to his size and reach, but changed his mind after noting Maheshate's split decision win over Gabriel Benitez, which he views as unimpressive. He believes Motta won't get knocked out early and will warm into the fight, ultimately picking Motta to start the card. However, he acknowledges Maheshate's knockout of Steve Garcia, showing hesitation.

"I'm going to go with Nicholas M to start off the card"
Decision (split) (28–29, 29–28, 29–28) R3 5:00 · UFC on ESPN: Nicolau vs. Perez · Apr 27, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Maheshate 0 121 of 295 41% 121 of 296 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gabriel BenĂ­tez 0 97 of 312 31% 97 of 312 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:03
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Maheshate 0 23 of 69 33% 23 of 69 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gabriel BenĂ­tez 0 21 of 66 31% 21 of 66 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Maheshate 0 51 of 104 49% 51 of 104 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gabriel BenĂ­tez 0 43 of 116 37% 43 of 116 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:03
3 Maheshate 0 47 of 122 38% 47 of 123 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gabriel BenĂ­tez 0 33 of 130 25% 33 of 130 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Maheshate 121 of 295 41% 81 of 247 13 of 21 27 of 27 120 of 291 1 of 4 0 of 0
Gabriel BenĂ­tez 97 of 312 31% 67 of 261 26 of 47 4 of 4 93 of 304 4 of 8 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Maheshate 23 of 69 33% 9 of 51 4 of 8 10 of 10 23 of 69 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gabriel BenĂ­tez 21 of 66 31% 13 of 49 6 of 15 2 of 2 21 of 66 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Maheshate 51 of 104 49% 35 of 87 3 of 4 13 of 13 51 of 103 0 of 1 0 of 0
Gabriel BenĂ­tez 43 of 116 37% 29 of 100 12 of 14 2 of 2 42 of 115 1 of 1 0 of 0
3 Maheshate 47 of 122 38% 37 of 109 6 of 9 4 of 4 46 of 119 1 of 3 0 of 0
Gabriel BenĂ­tez 33 of 130 25% 25 of 112 8 of 18 0 of 0 30 of 123 3 of 7 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Hesitant picked Apr 21, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Maheshate

Angelo picks Maheshate but with very low confidence, calling it 'the tiniest sliver of confidence.' He notes Maheshate is young (24), faster, and stronger, but makes young mistakes and lets opponents dictate the pace. The pick is driven largely by recency bias, as Gabriel BenĂ­tez looked poor in his last fight after a layoff. Angelo acknowledges BenĂ­tez is a good underdog value because he may have shaken off ring rust.

"I am going to pick mahash shete but with like the tiniest the tiniest sliver of confidence and it's literally only because Gabriel bonitz looked pretty bad in his last fight"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Apr 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Gabriel BenĂ­tez

Cody picks BenĂ­tez as a dog, citing his technical striking and volume. He notes Maheshate is low-volume and relies on one-punch power. He believes BenĂ­tez's experience and durability (if chin holds) will allow him to outwork Maheshate.

"give me the guy who I think is the better technical Striker at plus 165"
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Apr 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Maheshate

Daniel believes Maheshate belongs at UFC level, while BenĂ­tez is a gatekeeper who loses to fighters who belong. He notes Maheshate's right-side strikes (hand, high kick, knee) will be key against the southpaw BenĂ­tez. He predicts a knockout from the right side, possibly a right hand or high kick.

by KO
"I think mahes Shat does belong and I think he's Gonna Knock Out Gabrielle bonitz on Saturday night"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Apr 26, 2024 (1 day before fight)
Maheshate

Maheshate has a 4-inch height advantage and similar reach, and his ability to establish range with footwork and straight shots down the middle will cause BenĂ­tez trouble. He has aligned himself with Fight Ready MMA, which has solid striking coaches. I expect Maheshate to counter BenĂ­tez effectively and line up a knockout shot, putting him back into winning ways.

"I believe that we'll eventually see mahash counter bonitz effectively here and line up that knockout shot putting mahash back into his winning ways"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Apr 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Gabriel BenĂ­tez

Paul also picks BenĂ­tez, noting his high volume and takedown defense. He thinks Maheshate's low output plays into BenĂ­tez's hands, and that BenĂ­tez can win by decision if he avoids Maheshate's power. He acknowledges BenĂ­tez's chin issues but believes his volume will carry him.

"Bonitas wins"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Apr 23, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Maheshate

The MMA Guru picks Maheshate to win by TKO in the third round. He notes that Maheshate has shown composure and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win, including eye pokes and takedowns when being outstruck. He criticizes Gabriel BenĂ­tez for falling apart in fights and lacking finishing ability, as seen in his failure to put away Billy Quarantillo. The Guru believes Maheshate is hungrier and more technical on the feet.

TKO in the third round
"I'm going to go with mahake getting this one done I'll say TKO in the third"
TKO (punches) R2 2:37 · UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill · May 20, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Viacheslav Borshchev 0 32 of 109 29% 33 of 110 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
Maheshate 3 85 of 148 57% 85 of 148 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:09
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Viacheslav Borshchev 0 22 of 70 31% 23 of 71 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Maheshate 1 57 of 100 57% 57 of 100 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:05
2 Viacheslav Borshchev 0 10 of 39 25% 10 of 39 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Maheshate 2 28 of 48 58% 28 of 48 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:04
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Viacheslav Borshchev 32 of 109 29% 26 of 100 1 of 3 5 of 6 29 of 99 3 of 10 0 of 0
Maheshate 85 of 148 57% 40 of 99 17 of 19 28 of 30 69 of 118 11 of 18 5 of 12
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Viacheslav Borshchev 22 of 70 31% 17 of 63 1 of 3 4 of 4 21 of 67 1 of 3 0 of 0
Maheshate 57 of 100 57% 23 of 64 11 of 12 23 of 24 49 of 81 7 of 12 1 of 7
2 Viacheslav Borshchev 10 of 39 25% 9 of 37 0 of 0 1 of 2 8 of 32 2 of 7 0 of 0
Maheshate 28 of 48 58% 17 of 35 6 of 7 5 of 6 20 of 37 4 of 6 4 of 5
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Lean picked May 14, 2023 (6 days before fight)
Viacheslav Borshchev

Angelo picks Borshchev because in a striking match he should win easily, but he is concerned about Borshchev's poor takedown defense (31%) and the possibility that Maheshate could wrestle. He notes Borshchev is tough and never stops working, but is waiting for props before betting.

Waiting for props
"the pick's gonna be borshev but betting spot again we're gonna have to wait for some props and see what happens"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked May 12, 2023 (8 days before fight)
Viacheslav Borshchev

Big Brady picks Viacheslav Borshchev to knock out Maheshate in the first round. He is happy the UFC is giving Borshchev a striker, as his takedown defense is terrible but he is a beautiful striker with power. He expects Maheshate to stand and trade, which favors Borshchev. He predicts a first-round knockout.

knockout in round 1
"I'm going to take him to win this fight by first round knockout"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked May 18, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Viacheslav Borshchev

Cody argues that Borshchev's takedown defense is poor, but Maheshate has never attempted a takedown in the UFC. He expects a striking match where Borshchev's volume and power will prevail. He notes Borshchev's ability to get up from takedowns and finish opponents.

"I'll take borshev."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Lean picked May 19, 2023 (1 day before fight)
Maheshate

Connor picks Maheshate because he believes Borshchev is more hurtable and can be caught with a big counter hook or knee. He notes that Maheshate is bigger, more well-rounded, and has never been knocked out. Connor also mentions the possibility of Maheshate out-grappling Borshchev, who is bad on the ground. He admits part of his pick is to avoid being trolled by a Twitter account claiming to be Maheshate.

"I'll take Mahashatte just because I think that Borshove is more hurtable."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked May 18, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Viacheslav Borshchev

Daniel Levi picks Viacheslav Borshchev, assuming the fight stays standing. He notes Borshchev has a clear striking advantage and is the more experienced kickboxer, while Maheshate has attempted zero takedowns in his UFC/Contender Series appearances. Levi acknowledges Borshchev's poor takedown defense but thinks Maheshate won't exploit it. He sees this as a striking match and favors Borshchev's cleaner technique.

"I'm gonna go vicious love barchov"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked May 15, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Viacheslav Borshchev

The host picks Viacheslav Borshchev, expecting a striking battle where Borshchev's cleaner technique and body work will be key. He thinks Borshchev will slow Maheshate with body kicks and punches, then find a knockout. He likes the under and predicts a TKO victory.

under
"I like borshev here I like the unders I'm expecting some violence here and I think it's going to be Slava claws that comes out once again snaps that two fine winning streak and earns another knockout victory in the …"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked May 18, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Maheshate

Paul is intrigued by Maheshate's power and durability, and notes that Borshchev's takedown defense is a liability. He thinks Maheshate could land a knockout if Borshchev stands with him. He takes the underdog for value.

"I bet him at plus 138."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked May 16, 2023 (4 days before fight)
Viacheslav Borshchev

The MMA Guru picks Borshchev, believing he is better on the feet and that Maheshate won't be able to dominate him on the ground. He notes Borshchev has been working on his grappling and had moments against Mike Davis. He expects a stand-up fight and predicts Borshchev will finish via late-round TKO to the body. He is not impressed by Maheshate's win over Steve Garcia.

late rounds TKO to the body
"I'm gonna go with borshev ... I reckon you finish this one by late rounds TKO to a body shot"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Hesitant picked May 19, 2023 (1 day before fight)
Viacheslav Borshchev

Zane picks Borshchev primarily for his aggression and body punching. He notes that Borshchev is more hittable and easier to get to, but his liver hunting could be a key factor against Maheshate, who has never been knocked out but may not withstand a clean shot to the liver. Zane sees this as a very 50/50 fight and is hesitant, but leans toward Borshchev's offensive pressure.

"I'm going to take Borshchev, but this looks like a very 50 50 fight to me."
LOSS vs Rafa GarcĂ­a
Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) R3 5:00 · UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland · Dec 17, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Rafa GarcĂ­a 0 49 of 98 50% 79 of 138 6 of 11 54% 0 0 6:10
Maheshate 0 25 of 141 17% 30 of 148 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Rafa GarcĂ­a 0 16 of 29 55% 16 of 31 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:29
Maheshate 0 11 of 62 17% 11 of 63 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Rafa GarcĂ­a 0 13 of 36 36% 27 of 54 3 of 4 75% 0 0 2:26
Maheshate 0 8 of 52 15% 8 of 52 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
3 Rafa GarcĂ­a 0 20 of 33 60% 36 of 53 3 of 5 60% 0 0 3:15
Maheshate 0 6 of 27 22% 11 of 33 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Rafa GarcĂ­a 49 of 98 50% 29 of 70 11 of 17 9 of 11 28 of 64 11 of 13 10 of 21
Maheshate 25 of 141 17% 16 of 110 8 of 29 1 of 2 23 of 138 1 of 2 1 of 1
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Rafa GarcĂ­a 16 of 29 55% 8 of 17 6 of 9 2 of 3 15 of 28 1 of 1 0 of 0
Maheshate 11 of 62 17% 7 of 47 3 of 14 1 of 1 10 of 60 1 of 2 0 of 0
2 Rafa GarcĂ­a 13 of 36 36% 8 of 28 3 of 6 2 of 2 6 of 20 5 of 6 2 of 10
Maheshate 8 of 52 15% 5 of 42 3 of 10 0 of 0 8 of 52 0 of 0 0 of 0
3 Rafa GarcĂ­a 20 of 33 60% 13 of 25 2 of 2 5 of 6 7 of 16 5 of 6 8 of 11
Maheshate 6 of 27 22% 4 of 21 2 of 5 0 of 1 5 of 26 0 of 0 1 of 1
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Dec 11, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Rafa GarcĂ­a

Angelo picks Rafa GarcĂ­a, noting that Maheshate gets taken down easily and Rafa has 18 takedowns in his last four fights. He likes Rafa's chin and offensive grappling to get the job done. He mentions the line has flipped from Maheshate being favorite to near even money, and he has already placed a moneyline bet on Rafa for premium members.

Has a moneyline bet on Rafa GarcĂ­a; notes line movement
"I like Rafa here I think mahasete is definitely dangerous but he also gets taken down easily and Rafa Garcia has 18 takedowns in his last four fights"
BI
Big Brady Expert Hesitant picked Dec 15, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Rafa GarcĂ­a

Big Brady picks Rafa GarcĂ­a but is very hesitant due to lack of information on Maheshate. He notes GarcĂ­a's path to victory is takedowns, but his top control is poor and he has cardio issues. Maheshate has a size advantage and may have improved takedown defense. Brady says it's a tough fight to call and he's staying away from betting, but leans GarcĂ­a by decision.

"I am going to take Rafa Garcia to go out there um mixing takedowns and win a decision in this one"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Dec 14, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Rafa GarcĂ­a

Cody picks Garcia, noting his grinding style and cardio improvements. He thinks Garcia will take Maheshate down and grind him out. He notes Maheshate is a slow starter and Garcia has a good chin. He expects a decision win for Garcia.

Garcia by decision
"Rafa Garcia again I'm leading towards another decision on this one... gotta go with Rafa Garcia"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Dec 15, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Rafa GarcĂ­a

Connor picks Garcia, noting he is the well-rounded fighter and should win if he wrestles. He thinks Garcia is tough and can out-wrestle Maheshate, whose defensive wrestling is questionable. He acknowledges Garcia can lose random fights but expects him to win.

"I'll take garcia. That seems like enough"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Dec 14, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Maheshate

Paul picks Maheshate as an underdog, noting his size and striking skills. He is concerned about Garcia's takedowns but thinks Maheshate can land a big shot. He sees value at plus money and is willing to take a shot. He makes it a Shoei bet with Cody.

"I'm gonna back my guy my shot the market is working its way away from me at this point... I'll take your two to one on this uh this whole Shoei operation uh I'll take my shot you get Rafa …"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Dec 13, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Rafa GarcĂ­a

The MMA Guru picks Rafa GarcĂ­a over Hayisaer Maheshate, going against the majority. He notes GarcĂ­a's close fight with Jai Herbert and his submission win over Genesis Ronson. He questions Maheshate's competition and KO rate, pointing out that Maheshate took a decision against a 10-15 opponent. He expects GarcĂ­a to pressure with a good chin and mix in grappling, potentially getting a late submission or decision win. He also mentions that Maheshate lost to a grappler in M1.

"I'm going half a Garcia here"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Lean picked Dec 15, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Maheshate

Zane picks Maheshate as a random chance pick, partly to avoid being mocked by a Twitter account he thinks might be Maheshate. He admits Garcia should win but thinks Maheshate could knock him out early. He notes Maheshate has good timing and hand speed.

"I'll take mahashate just because I don't want him to make fun of me again"
WIN vs Steve Garcia
KO (punch) R1 1:14 · UFC 275: Teixeira vs. Prochazka · Jun 12, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Maheshate 2 7 of 10 70% 7 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:01
Steve Garcia 0 7 of 19 36% 9 of 21 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:35
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Maheshate 2 7 of 10 70% 7 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:01
Steve Garcia 0 7 of 19 36% 9 of 21 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:35
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Maheshate 7 of 10 70% 6 of 8 1 of 2 0 of 0 7 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0
Steve Garcia 7 of 19 36% 7 of 15 0 of 4 0 of 0 4 of 15 0 of 1 3 of 3
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Maheshate 7 of 10 70% 6 of 8 1 of 2 0 of 0 7 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0
Steve Garcia 7 of 19 36% 7 of 15 0 of 4 0 of 0 4 of 15 0 of 1 3 of 3
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Steve Garcia vs. Maheshate Hayisaer
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-180), Hayisaer (+155)

Round 1
Two victors from seasons of Dana White’s Contender Series collide for this lightweight matchup, when “Mean Machine” Garcia (12-4, 1-1 UFC) welcomes Maheshate (8-1, 0-0 UFC) to the UFC. The youngster Maheshate holds eight wins on his ledger, not six as other sources may list, due to a pair of 2019 victories discovered when Fight Finder staff members deciphered a typo in the promotion itself misspelling his name. Referee Marc Goddard will be on top of the action in this 155-pound affair, and there is a no glove touch from the two competitors to seal the cage around them. Maheshate throws out a front kick, and Garcia leaps back as Maheshate bears down on him. They both trade ferocious leather, and Garcia hurts Maheshate with a right hand. The Chinese competitor replies with a power punch that knocks Garcia down, and Garcia is able to get his wits about him and jam Maheshate into the wall and score several short right hands. Garcia cannot keep his foe pressed to the wall, and Maheshate jumps back.
Maheshate retreats as “Mean Machine” crashes towards him recklessly, and Garcia wings a left hand that comes up short. In response, Maheshate counters with a short but brutal right hand that lands right on the button and completely disables Garcia. The American falls face-first to the mat, totally unconscious.
Maheshate knows his work here is done, and looks down but does not strike as Goddard reaches him to pull him away. Maheshate celebrates with his team after his outstanding UFC debut, as he becomes the first fighter to knock out the UFC and Bellator vet Garcia.

The Official Result
Maheshate Hayisaer def. Steve Garcia R1 1:14 via KO (Punch)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jun 5, 2022 (7 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Angelo is confident in Steve Garcia, citing his grappling advantage and experience. He notes Maheshate is young and inexperienced, and Garcia has a clear path to victory by pressuring and using takedowns. He thinks the odds are close but the fighters are worlds apart in grappling and experience.

solid money line bet
"i'm confident he's going to do that and i'm confident he's going to work in his grappling i think this is a tricky fight but i also think steve has a very clean path to victory here"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jun 6, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Big Brady picks Steve Garcia to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Maheshate has poor takedown defense and get-up game, while Garcia is the better striker and wrestler. He expects Garcia to take Maheshate down and finish him with ground and pound, though he acknowledges Garcia's chin is a concern after being dropped multiple times by Charlie Ontiveros.

win by first round knockout
"Steve Garcia I think he's the better striker I think he's the better wrestler the better grappler he should be able to go out here and take down Maheshate and finish him early on."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Jun 8, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Maheshate

Cody picks Maheshate as an underdog, believing he is the wrong fighter favorite. He notes Maheshate's youth, durability, and power, and thinks Garcia's wrestling is overrated. He made a bet on Maheshate at +135 and is willing to do a prop bet with Paul.

bet at +135; willing to do a prop bet
"i bet mahashate i actually took a bad number i took them at plus 135 i think it's the wrong fighter favorite"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Jun 9, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Daniel Levi confidently picks Steve Garcia, believing Maheshate does not belong in the UFC yet. He notes Garcia's experience against better competition, including a win over Ronnie Lawrence. He acknowledges Garcia's vulnerability to getting hurt but thinks Garcia's wrestling and volume will be too much. He is only concerned about jet lag and judges favoring the Asian fighter.

"I got Steve Garcia to come out here and you know give this guy a first class ticket and a tour of the octagon and show him what's what you know at the UFC level I don't think belongs"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jun 10, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Garcia has the grappling edge and can take the fight to the ground if needed. He has UFC experience and has fought tougher competition. Maheshate is young and unproven, with wins over low-level opponents. Garcia should be able to grind out a win or find a finish. I'll be on Garcia side but no bet.

"I think that garcia's gonna hold the grappling edge if he doesn't like what's going on on the feet and he also has the edge of having previous ufc fights."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Jun 8, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Paul picks Garcia, citing his wrestling and top pressure. He thinks Garcia can take Maheshate down and grind out a decision. He acknowledges Garcia's shaky performance against Charlie Ontiveros but believes his grappling will be the difference.

Garcia by decision
"my actual pick would be steve garcia the minus 170 i don't like all that much"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jun 6, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia to win by late second or third round TKO via ground and pound. He criticizes Maheshate's competition level and suggests he was given a UFC contract for marketability. He notes Garcia's experience (fighting since 2012) and better opposition, including fights with Ricky Turcios and Louis Pena. He believes Garcia's pace and pressure will break Maheshate, who is too young and inexperienced. He also doubts Maheshate's ability to knock Garcia out.

tko to ground and pound late second third round
"steve garcia puts a pace on him breaks him down and he's the guy who's going to win like a shutout performance and i reckon get it done by like tko to ground and pound late second third round"
Steve Garcia - Fight History
SCHED vs Diego Lopes
UFC Freedom 250 · Jun 14, 2026
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Lean picked Jun 3, 2026 (11 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

AJ is leaning towards Steve Garcia, citing Garcia's terrifying hands and cardio to go three hard rounds. He thinks Garcia could outstrike Lopes and notes that Lopes is not a grapple smotherer, making it hard for him to control Garcia. He also mentions Garcia's chin and finishing ability.

"I think I'm gonna end up going Steve Garcia. I won't lie to you guys."
WIN vs David Onama
KO R1 3:34 · UFC Fight Night: Garcia vs. Onama · Nov 01, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Steve Garcia 1 33 of 62 53% 43 of 72 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:04
David Onama 0 2 of 16 12% 2 of 16 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Steve Garcia 1 33 of 62 53% 43 of 72 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:04
David Onama 0 2 of 16 12% 2 of 16 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Steve Garcia 33 of 62 53% 28 of 56 5 of 6 0 of 0 26 of 52 5 of 7 2 of 3
David Onama 2 of 16 12% 1 of 14 0 of 1 1 of 1 2 of 16 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Steve Garcia 33 of 62 53% 28 of 56 5 of 6 0 of 0 26 of 52 5 of 7 2 of 3
David Onama 2 of 16 12% 1 of 14 0 of 1 1 of 1 2 of 16 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Steve Garcia vs. David Onama
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-130); Onama (+110)

Round 1
It’s time for the main event, a ranked featherweight five-rounder that should be a banger. After what has happened so far tonight, one can hope that Herb Dean can keep things legitimate because there have been some
serious
questions of integrity tonight. Garcia (18-5, 7-2 UFC) and Onama (14-2, 6-2 UFC) are about to let their hands go, and before they do, Dean brings them to the center of the cage to issue final instructions. Will they follow them? Who the heck knows.
The main event opens with a fist bump from the athletes. The featherweights are jittery and trying to figure things out early, so Garcia breaks that silence about 15 seconds in with a clubbing right hand. He walks Onama down, peppering him with his jab and follow-up left hook. Onama bounces off the fence, so Garcia chases him down with a bouquet of blistering left hands. Garcia mixes up body shots, and he snaps out a jab to intercept a front kick. Garcia reaches out with a left hook, shaking Onama up, and he continues to chain together his lefts. Onama fires back when he back, but Garcia’s volume and looping lefts are getting Onama’s attention time and time again.
Garcia steps in behind a left hand, and Onama is tough but quickly becoming a heavy bag. Garcia beats his man to the punch with a combo featuring his left, and when Onama bounces back up, Garcia comes right after him. “Mean Machine” does not let Onama off the hook, blasting him with a number of left hands that knock him from one side of the cage to another. Garcia lets fly a head kick as well, and he continues to rush at “Silent Assassin” with a barrage of brutal lefts. Onama fires back and shreds open a cut on Garcia’s eyebrow, but Garcia is a man on a mission and wants to finish the job.
Garcia’s offense wilts Onama, bending him over with a liver kick. He sees his opening to put the Factory X fighter away and takes it, swarming him with punches that topple Onama to the floor. From there, Garcia keeps pounding away as Onama turtles up, and only a few hammerfists are needed for “Mean Machine” to seal the deal.
Onama protests when Dean calls a halt to the match, but he soon realizes that he will not be convincing anyone after his performance. This was one-way traffic for the Jackson-Wink fighter, who prevails in under four minutes and punches his ticket to greater things coming soon. While the triumphant man calls out Max Holloway for the BMF belt, he may have to look elsewhere to climb the ladder before getting there. When he does compete next, however, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result
Steve Garcia def. David Onama R1 3:34 via TKO (Punches)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Hesitant picked Oct 31, 2025 (1 day before fight)
Steve Garcia

Angelo picks Steve Garcia, citing his awkward, lurching movement and sheer size for the weight class as problematic for David Onama. He notes Garcia's power and forward pressure, but acknowledges Onama is faster and more technical. He mentions Garcia has been knocked out before, while Onama hasn't, but doesn't see Onama knocking him out. He calls it a close competitive fight and leans Garcia.

"I do like Steve Garcia in this match-up because I think he has... awkward enough that it can be a problem."
BI
Big Brady Expert Lean picked Oct 31, 2025 (1 day before fight)
David Onama

Big Brady leans toward David Onama, citing Steve Garcia's tendency to leave openings and get dropped, as seen in fights against Charlie Ontiveros and Maheshate. He acknowledges Garcia hits hard and is all violence, but believes Onama is more durable and can take advantage. He predicts a second-round knockout for Onama.

second round knockout, plus 110 underdog
"I'm going to I'm going to lean with Oama just because I can't get the the Antivero's fight out of my head. ... I'll actually go Oama to win this fight. I'll take on to win this fight by second …"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Hesitant picked Oct 30, 2025 (2 days before fight)
David Onama

Connor picks Onama, reasoning that Garcia's losses are worse than Onama's, with more randomness. He notes that Onama has lost to wild brawlers like Nate Landwehr and Mason Jones, which could be Steve Garcia, but those were exhausting fights. He thinks Onama may find success with wrestling and is a better athlete than Garcia's recent opponents.

"I think I am going to pick David Onama here. I think if we're doing some MMA math Steve Garcia's losses are worse than David Onama's."
LU
Lucrative James Expert Hesitant picked Oct 27, 2025 (5 days before fight)
David Onama

Lucrative James picks David Onama to win by knockout, but he is not confident. He notes that both fighters have questionable chins and get hurt often, but Onama has never been finished while Garcia has been knocked out before. He also mentions Onama's superior training partners, including Justin Gaethje, and his wrestling upside as potential advantages. However, he emphasizes that this is a pick'em fight and he will not bet the moneyline, instead looking at under props.

under 1.5 rounds, under 2.5 rounds, fight ends by KO
"I'm going to pick David Oama to get the knockout just because I mean there's no real rhyme or reason to it."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Lean picked Oct 31, 2025 (1 day before fight)
David Onama

The fight is a coin flip; whoever lands the big punch first wins. The host leans slightly to Onama's speed and more tools, thinking he will land a big shot and put Garcia away. But it could easily go the other way, so confidence is low.

inside the distance
"I have to lean ever so slightly to the speed and more tools for the David Onam side. I think it's just a matter of time before he lands that big shot on Garcia and puts him away. ... I …"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Oct 30, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia, citing his recent impressive wins over Melquizael Costa, Kyle Nelson, and Calvin Kattar. He believes Garcia's pressure and volume will break David Onama, who has struggled against similar styles (e.g., Romero). He notes Onama's lack of consistent finishes and potential work ethic issues. He predicts a second or third round TKO.

second or third round TKO
"I'm going to go with Steve Garcia here. I'm glad I remembered that Romero fight of Onama because that was a real worrying look."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Hesitant picked Oct 30, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Zane picks Garcia because he has seen Onama get hurt badly and fail to focus from the start. He notes that if Garcia can't knock Onama out, it will be a wild war, but he is more willing to believe Onama will never find comfort against Garcia than that Onama can lock Garcia down. He acknowledges the high chaos and randomness in both fighters' careers.

"I think I'm gonna take Garcia just because I have seen Onama get hurt so bad, yeah, and I have seen him not focus on having the right fight from the jump."
WIN vs Calvin Kattar
Decision R3 5:00 · UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Teixeira · Jul 12, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Calvin Kattar 0 26 of 123 21% 26 of 123 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:21
Steve Garcia 1 85 of 250 34% 85 of 250 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:03
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Calvin Kattar 0 8 of 26 30% 8 of 26 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Steve Garcia 0 22 of 71 30% 22 of 71 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Calvin Kattar 0 5 of 47 10% 5 of 47 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Steve Garcia 0 32 of 87 36% 32 of 87 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
3 Calvin Kattar 0 13 of 50 26% 13 of 50 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:21
Steve Garcia 1 31 of 92 33% 31 of 92 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:03
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Calvin Kattar 26 of 123 21% 21 of 116 3 of 5 2 of 2 26 of 123 0 of 0 0 of 0
Steve Garcia 85 of 250 34% 52 of 208 23 of 29 10 of 13 85 of 249 0 of 0 0 of 1
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Calvin Kattar 8 of 26 30% 4 of 22 2 of 2 2 of 2 8 of 26 0 of 0 0 of 0
Steve Garcia 22 of 71 30% 11 of 53 5 of 10 6 of 8 22 of 71 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Calvin Kattar 5 of 47 10% 5 of 47 0 of 0 0 of 0 5 of 47 0 of 0 0 of 0
Steve Garcia 32 of 87 36% 19 of 72 10 of 11 3 of 4 32 of 87 0 of 0 0 of 0
3 Calvin Kattar 13 of 50 26% 12 of 47 1 of 3 0 of 0 13 of 50 0 of 0 0 of 0
Steve Garcia 31 of 92 33% 22 of 83 8 of 8 1 of 1 31 of 91 0 of 0 0 of 1
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-120); Kattar (+100)

Round 1
On a career-long four-fight skid, Kattar (23-9, 7-7 UFC) has not gotten his hand raised since outdueling Giga Chikadze in 2022. Possibly in the later stages of his career at 37 years old, he is being matched up against a dangerous brawler in Garcia (17-5, 6-2 UFC) who is knocking on the door of ludicrous status should he clock “The Boston Finisher.” Referee Jason Herzog understands his assignment, and the fighters do too, as they touch gloves to engage.
The two featherweight strikers measure one another in the early going, with Garcia eventually leading the dance with a looping pair of punches and some awkward kicks to any target he can find. Kattar ducks and swings hard on an overhand right counter that zips right past the Jackson-Wink representative. Garcia is in the driver’s seat but his connect rate remains low a minute in. Garcia wraps a right around the guard, but his left goes wide. Woots, whoops and cries rain down throughout the Bridgestone Arena, and Garcia silences them with a long punch combination and three head kicks in a row. Kattar defends well but stumbles, and he gets back to his feet and takes a left hand on the jaw. Garcia scores with a left hand and kicks after it.
Katter misses with a huge left hand, and Garcia races through it and lands a combination on Kattar’s face. Kattar is stuck not hitting anything of note, while Garcia is scoring to the head, body and legs. Garcia spins with a sudden wheel kick, and Kattar shells up but his nose takes the brunt of it. Kattar steps in with an elbow on the chin after Garcia hits him a few times, and he partially connects with a lead hook. Garcia forces Kattar to constantly defend himself, and his power drives “The Boston Finisher” back a few steps. Kattar starts to put his jab together, and he is answered with a Jackson-Wink-style oblique kick to the knee. One more kick to the lead leg ends the tepid round.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Garcia

Round 2
Both featherweights trade right hands as the round begins, and Garcia stays in Kattar’s face but walks into a left hand on the jaw. Garcia shrugs it off and bounces around before settling down, planting a one-two on Kattar’s visage. Kattar’s looping punches continue to miss, as he is telegraphing his big right and Garcia is able to dodge or stay away from them. Garcia walks Kattar down, spinning with a clean back kick to the ribs, and he drives home several rib-roasters as well. This fires up Kattar, who cracks the favorite. Garcia gives it right back, happy to be getting the brawl he was seeking. Garcia beats Kattar to the jab time and time again.
Kattar employs a step-in elbow that graces Garcia’s melon, and Garcia gives him back several body shots to think about. Garcia dips and dodges the oncoming fire to crack Kattar with a huge left, smashing Kattar’s nose and forcing Kattar to paw at it. Garcia strikes the body when he sees an opening, and he skips forward to deliver two lefts on the chin. Garcia misses a right and left hook by a matter of inches, and he kicks the front of Kattar’s thigh to back him off. The body work from Garcia is getting Kattar to drop his hands, and he winds up with a bomb of a left that buzzes past the longtime vet. Garcia keeps doing work until the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Garcia

Round 3
Garcia immediately engages to start the last round, putting hands in Kattar’s face early and often. A heavy left hand drives Kattar back a ways, and he times a head kick and a spinning back fist that Garcia is able to defend. Kattar hops back and forth switching stances, but he does not engage and is just backpedaling when Garcia comes at him. Garcia reaches him with a left hand, and he loads up a subsequent bomb that nearly separates Kattar from his senses. Kattar bounces off the fence to stay afloat, and he clinches Garcia to get his head right. Garcia breaks off and chases the wounded man down, stabbing body kicks and following with liver punches that draw reactions almost every time he connects. Garcia fearlessly walks “The Boston Finisher” down, hurling one-twos and any open strike he can lob. Garcia tries for two clubbing lefts that do not get through, and he parries a front kick and pushes a left hand down the pipe.
Kattar appears to have recovered, but Garcia is not about to let him of the hook and hacks at him with a tomahawk elbow. Garcia kicks Kattar’s leg out, and he lets him back up to swing heavy leather. Kattar bites down on his mouthpiece and walks into a left hand, and he spins with an elbow that bangs square into Garcia’s temple. Garcia, blood now streaking from the bridge of his nose, boots Kattar upside the head and follows him with a left hand. He pushes Kattar back and pops him with a front kick, staying up close and looping lefts. Kattar stands him up with a right hand, and he strikes with a knee and a spinning back fist that both get part of the betting favorite. Garcia tosses windmills, and he waits for Kattar to spin so he can blast him when he plants. Garcia lets loose with a head kick and a spinning wheel kick, and Kattar knocks him back with a fierce overhand right. The two trade last strikes until time expires, and Garcia’s knockout streak has officially ended. Despite that, he still has soundly beaten a legitimate force at featherweight, and has announced himself as a new contender.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)

The Official Result
Steve Garcia def. Calvin Kattar via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Hesitant picked Jul 6, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Angelo picks Steve Garcia but was initially not confident at higher odds. He notes Calvin Kattar is still a good striker with good takedown defense, but hasn't won in three years and is 37. At even money, he thinks Garcia is a decent play because he's younger and on a knockout streak, but he acknowledges Kattar has never been knocked out.

At even money, thinks Garcia is a decent play.
"Steve Garcia is the pick. I was never going to bet him at a minus 160, but at minus 110, which is unfortunately even money here, I think Steve Garcia could be a decent play."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jul 8, 2025 (4 days before fight)
Calvin Kattar

Big Brady is a fan of Steve Garcia but picks Calvin Kattar due to durability. He notes Garcia has been dropped multiple times, while Kattar has never been knocked out in over 30 fights. He expects a stand-up war and believes Kattar will finish what Charlie Ontiveros started, picking Kattar by first-round knockout.

first round knockout
"Calvin Kedar to win this fight by first round knockout."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Hesitant picked Jul 10, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Calvin Kattar

Connor picks Kattar despite his losing streak, reasoning that Kattar has fought only elite fighters and has an incredible chin that has never been cracked. He views Steve Garcia as a 'bad fighter' who closes his eyes and swings wildly, and believes Kattar's durability and experience will carry him. Connor admits he is tired of being wrong about Garcia but trusts the pattern of Kattar losing only to top-tier opponents.

"I'm going to pick Calvin Kattar. ... Steve Garcia, I think is a bad fighter."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jul 9, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Calvin Kattar

The host acknowledges recency bias making Garcia a slight favorite, but notes that Kattar has never been finished by knockout (except an injury). He believes this is a perfect stylistic matchup for Kattar to counter Garcia effectively and find a knockout, reminding people of his quality. The pick is based on Kattar's durability and counter-striking.

knockout
"Ton of recency bias here making Garcia a very slight favorite. And yes, he is very dangerous, especially with him coming off a fiveight winning streak with all of those wins coming by knockout. But Kater has never been finished …"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jul 10, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia, citing his recent finishes (Chase Hooper, Shalan Nerd Beck) and his pressure style. He criticizes Calvin Kattar's recent performances, noting poor footwork and takedown defense since his leg injury. He expects Garcia to get in Kattar's face immediately, mix in wrestling, and finish him, though he acknowledges Kattar could win if he finds his rhythm late.

finish
"I'm going to go with Steve Garcia over Calvin Kater. ... I think he's actually gonna finish Calvin Kater here."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Hesitant picked Jul 10, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Zane picks Garcia, partly to avoid being mocked by a friend named Eddie for always picking against Garcia. He acknowledges that Garcia is a wild, unhinged fighter who frequently gets into trouble but has been winning. Zane notes that Kattar has slowed down and lost venom, and that Garcia's aggressive blitz could overwhelm him, similar to how Arnold Allen attacked Kattar. However, he admits Garcia is not a good technical fighter.

"I'm going to pick Steve Garcia. I'm going to say this is the day that it happens for Calvin Kattar that starting slow..."
WIN vs Kyle Nelson
TKO (elbows and punches) R1 3:59 · UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady · Sep 07, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Steve Garcia 0 22 of 37 59% 39 of 62 0 of 0 --- 0 1 1:36
Kyle Nelson 0 1 of 2 50% 31 of 36 0 of 0 --- 0 0 2:13
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Steve Garcia 0 22 of 37 59% 39 of 62 0 of 0 --- 0 1 1:36
Kyle Nelson 0 1 of 2 50% 31 of 36 0 of 0 --- 0 0 2:13
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Steve Garcia 22 of 37 59% 20 of 35 1 of 1 1 of 1 2 of 3 0 of 0 20 of 34
Kyle Nelson 1 of 2 50% 0 of 1 0 of 0 1 of 1 1 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Steve Garcia 22 of 37 59% 20 of 35 1 of 1 1 of 1 2 of 3 0 of 0 20 of 34
Kyle Nelson 1 of 2 50% 0 of 1 0 of 0 1 of 1 1 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Steve Garcia vs. Kyle Nelson (148.5: Missed Weight)
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-192), Nelson (+160)

Round 1
Garcia (16-5, 5-2 UFC) is hungry, and he wants to share his lunch of knuckle sandwiches as the short-notice substitute against Nelson (16-5-1, 4-4-1 UFC). Both men come into this pairing on win streaks, so someone’s momentum is about to come to a grinding halt. Garcia has notably recorded four straight knockouts, a rarity for the weight class. This bout will officially take place at 149 pounds due to the Canadian missing weight, but that should not preclude the two from slugging it out as expected. Gloves are not touched under the watchful eye of referee Mark Smith, and instead they want to fight. Garcia lets fly a kick and a few punches, and he gets pushed back to the wall and trips. Nelson jumps on top to take Garcia’s back in a hurry, and he gets both hooks in without effort. Garcia hand-fights to prevent Nelson from setting up a submission, so the Canadian smacks him in the forehead several times. Nelson tries to set up the body triangle, but Garcia is able to fight off the first setup while he twists to one side and uses two-on-one wrist control. Garcia explodes to spin around, and he falls into an armbar. Garcia unloads with punches with his free arm, and he strikes his way out of the submission and lets Nelson have it with an onslaught of punches and elbows. Nelson turns to his side and shells up, and he slows Garcia down. Garcia elects to grind his elbow on the cheek, and he thumps it down every so often. Garcia slams down a few punches, and he nails Nelson with an elbow that makes Nelson turn to turtle up. As Garcia unleashes a fury, Nelson keeps his wits about him and kicks off Garcia to force him upright. Garcia leaps down and elbows Nelson in the back of the head, and a lump develops in a hurry. Nelson sits up with his back to the cage, and Garcia rails him with an elbow that makes Nelson crumble to his side. Garcia releases a final flurry of elbows and punches, and Smith sees that Nelson is no longer defending himself and intervenes. Nelson tries to stand back up after the fight has been called off, and Smith is there to make sure he does not fall over. This is a statement performance for the ultraviolent Garcia, who has earned five straight knockouts and pounds his way into contender status.

The Official Result
Steve Garcia def. Kyle Nelson R1 3:59 via TKO (Elbows and Punches)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Hesitant picked Sep 1, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Angelo picks Steve Garcia because he hits very hard, has good wrestling, and is on a four-fight knockout streak. However, he is hesitant because Kyle Nelson has been looking good lately and has power and toughness. He plans to have very little exposure on this fight if he bets.

Angelo says he will bet a very small amount if he bets on Steve Garcia.
"I think Steve Garcia wins but I'm not that confident"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Sep 5, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Big Brady picks Steve Garcia to win by knockout in round one. He highlights Garcia's four-fight knockout streak and his dog mentality, but acknowledges Garcia gets dropped often. Brady thinks Garcia will get dropped but get back up and finish Nelson. He favors Garcia more as the fight goes into later rounds.

round 1 KO
"Steve Garcia wins this fight I take him to Win It by knockout but I think somebody's getting served in this one Garcia round one KO"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Sep 4, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Kyle Nelson

Cody picks Nelson on the moneyline, citing Garcia's poor chin and tendency to get dropped, while Nelson has improved cardio, wrestling, and durability. He notes Garcia's wins are often against tired or compromised opponents, and that Nelson's pressure and pace can overwhelm Garcia. He sees value at plus money and is confident Nelson can win.

Nelson by decision +1000 (tempting)
"I'm going to go call Nelson money line with the plus money"
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Hesitant picked Sep 5, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Daniel acknowledges Kyle Nelson's improved style but thinks Garcia's kill-or-be-killed pressure will force Nelson to fight, potentially bringing back his old issues. He admits he hasn't been good at predicting the new Kyle Nelson, but he picks Garcia to extend his knockout streak. He notes Garcia is a killer who either knocks you out or gets knocked out.

"I'll pick Steve Garcia here. I think that Steve Garcia is gonna make this guy fight then we're gonna see the old tencies come back from Kyle Nelson and I think that Steve Garcia is gonna extend his kill streak."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Sep 4, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Garcia is on a four-fight KO streak and has awkward angles that could trouble Nelson. Nelson is also on a roll but Garcia's power is a threat. The under 1.5 rounds is the preferred bet, as Garcia tends to finish early. Garcia by first-round KO is the pick.

Under 1.5 rounds; Garcia by first-round KO
"the under one and a half is where I will put my money here... I'm going to go Garcia Garcia by first round knockout."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Sep 4, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Kyle Nelson

Paul likes the over 1.5 rounds at +140, believing Nelson's improved cardio and fight IQ will avoid an early knockout. He thinks Nelson can make it competitive and potentially win a decision. He is not confident in betting Garcia at nearly -200, so he leans Nelson but prefers the over prop.

over 1.5 rounds +140 (already bet), may take more if number grows
"I like the over one and a half from this fight I know st's been a oneman rcking crew absolutely knocking out everyone he's got P power in his hands but I feel like seven and a half minutes Kyle …"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Sep 3, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia over Kyle Nelson, citing a bias against Canadian men. He notes Garcia's weird look as an advantage and his training at Jackson Wink and Soul Focus. He mentions Garcia has beaten good opponents like Melquizael Costa and Saimon Oliveira, but was finished by Chase Hooper. He predicts a decision or KO win.

decision or KO
"I'm going to go with Steve Garcia over Kyle Nelson... I've got Steve Garcia getting this one done by decision or KO"
WIN vs SeungWoo Choi
TKO (punches) R1 1:36 · UFC on ESPN: Lemos vs. Jandiroba · Jul 20, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Steve Garcia 1 15 of 27 55% 18 of 34 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:37
SeungWoo Choi 0 9 of 15 60% 9 of 16 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Steve Garcia 1 15 of 27 55% 18 of 34 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:37
SeungWoo Choi 0 9 of 15 60% 9 of 16 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Steve Garcia 15 of 27 55% 10 of 19 2 of 5 3 of 3 9 of 19 1 of 2 5 of 6
SeungWoo Choi 9 of 15 60% 7 of 13 0 of 0 2 of 2 9 of 15 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Steve Garcia 15 of 27 55% 10 of 19 2 of 5 3 of 3 9 of 19 1 of 2 5 of 6
SeungWoo Choi 9 of 15 60% 7 of 13 0 of 0 2 of 2 9 of 15 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Seung Woo Choi vs. Steve Garcia
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-148), Choi (+124)

Round 1
Finding himself in the unexpected situation of serving as the co-main event after the cancelation of Brad Tavares vs. Jun Yong Park, “Mean Machine” Garcia (15-5, 4-2 UFC) is ready to rise the occasion and lock down his fourth win in a row. The Jackson-Wink fighter will try to hand Choi (11-6, 4-5 UFC) his fourth loss in five fights, and the two featherweights will likely meet in the middle and throw down. When they do, referee Herb Dean will be hanging on tight. There is a touch of gloves, and Garcia is the initial aggressor as he gets into the center of the cage and lands a stomp kick to the knee. Garcia ducks back to avoid two looping hooks, only to race forward and bump into Choi’s forehead to tie him up. Garcia ties up a leg but is unable to put the South Korean down, and when Choi escapes, he throws hands. Garcia welcomes the exchange, and when things settle down, he lands another kick to the knee. Choi chambers and fires a low kick that puts Garcia down to a knee, and Garcia climbs back up and gets swept with another kick. Garcia wades forward, thinks about throwing a front kick and lets it go to stand and bang. Stand and bang is exactly what “Mean Machine” does, rocking Choi and getting clipped in a destructive exchange.
Garcia lands the cleaner of the blows as he continues to slug it out, and he knocks Choi off-balance with a left hand and floors him with another bomb of a left. Choi turns to his side and then knees in an effort to shell up and survive, but Garcia is a man possessed at getting the win. Garcia stings “Sting” repeatedly with hammerfists, raining down a seemingly unending onslaught of fists until Dean has no choice but to stop the fight.
Choi looks up at Dean quizzically as blood streams from his mouth, and Garcia runs to the cage wall to scream and then scales it to shout even louder. This is a big moment for Garcia, who has now picked up four straight knockout victories. The triumphant Garcia calls for an MMA fight against Dan Ige, a popular name lately, while also calling out commentator Daniel Cormier for a golf match.

The Official Result
Steve Garcia def. Seung Woo Choi R1 1:36 via TKO (Punches)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jul 14, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Angelo picks Steve Garcia because he is sneaky good with five UFC wins all by KO/TKO. He believes Garcia's striking and wrestling are there, and that Choi Seung-woo has been finished before. He has placed a bet on Garcia at -140 and expects the line to move.

bet placed at -140
"Steve Garcia is the pick I got a nice little bet on him at minus 140"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Jul 17, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Cody also picks Garcia but with less confidence, noting Garcia's own durability issues and the fact that both fighters have been dropped. He sees the fight as close to 50/50 and suggests taking Choi if plus money is available. He emphasizes the under 2.5 rounds as the best bet, expecting a violent finish.

"I got one guy that's on a three-fight winning streak... I got to get the guy in the three-fight winning streak."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Jul 17, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Daniel Vreeland picks Steve Garcia by knockout, comparing the fight to a coin flip but ultimately choosing Garcia. He notes both fighters have high knockdown rates and can be dropped, but Garcia's size (6'0", 75" reach) and recent form (5 knockdowns in last 3 fights) give him the edge. He expects a stand-up war ending in a Garcia knockout.

by KO
"heads we're gonna go with Steve Garcia here to uh drop Troy a couple times and then all out War"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Lean picked Jul 17, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Garcia is a -140 favorite. He relies on his knockout power and has a three-fight KO streak. Choi is more technical but has been finished before. Garcia can survive early pressure and land a big shot to get the KO. I prefer Garcia by knockout rather than moneyline, as his KO line is around +130.

Garcia by knockout
"I would rather Garcia by knockout rather than Garcia moneyline at minus 140"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Jul 17, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Paul likes Garcia's momentum and power, noting his three-fight winning streak with five knockdowns. He questions Choi's durability, pointing out Choi has been knocked down five times in his last three fights. Paul thinks Garcia's power is the difference and expects a knockout, though he acknowledges both have shaky chins.

"I think it's Steve all day here."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jul 16, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia, noting he has doubted Garcia before but he keeps winning. He highlights Garcia's recent finishes over Malik El Kousa, Shannon Nurnbeck, and Chase Hooper, and his training at Jackson Wink. He points out Choi Seung-woo's questionable chin, getting wobbled in most fights, and believes Garcia's power and size at 145 will be too much.

"I'm gonna go with um Steve Garcia I've doubted Steve Garcia enough"
KO (elbows) R2 1:01 · UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Gutierrez · Dec 09, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Steve Garcia 1 29 of 49 59% 41 of 66 0 of 0 --- 1 0 0:46
Melquizael Costa 0 6 of 10 60% 20 of 25 2 of 10 20% 0 0 4:41
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Steve Garcia 0 4 of 11 36% 12 of 23 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Melquizael Costa 0 5 of 7 71% 19 of 22 2 of 9 22% 0 0 4:41
2 Steve Garcia 1 25 of 38 65% 29 of 43 0 of 0 --- 1 0 0:46
Melquizael Costa 0 1 of 3 33% 1 of 3 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Steve Garcia 29 of 49 59% 26 of 45 2 of 3 1 of 1 4 of 10 3 of 8 22 of 31
Melquizael Costa 6 of 10 60% 1 of 5 2 of 2 3 of 3 2 of 3 4 of 7 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Steve Garcia 4 of 11 36% 3 of 9 1 of 2 0 of 0 3 of 7 1 of 4 0 of 0
Melquizael Costa 5 of 7 71% 0 of 2 2 of 2 3 of 3 1 of 2 4 of 5 0 of 0
2 Steve Garcia 25 of 38 65% 23 of 36 1 of 1 1 of 1 1 of 3 2 of 4 22 of 31
Melquizael Costa 1 of 3 33% 1 of 3 0 of 0 0 of 0 1 of 1 0 of 2 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Melquizael Costa vs. Steve Garcia
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Costa (-275), Garcia (+225)

Round 1
The predominant method of victory for these two fighters—now competing at lightweight due to the short-notice nature of their rescheduled pairing—is the knockout. Referee Chris Tognoni should don his hard hat before going out against these two sluggers. “Mean Machine” Garcia (14-5, 3-2 UFC) has performed his last six victories via strikes, while LFA vet Costa (20-6, 1-1 UFC) has earned two of his last three wins by knockout. Before the fists fly, they meet together in a sporting manner. Garcia springs forward, but he pulls back before engaging. On his second advance, Garcia throws caution to the wind, winging big punches. Costa shimmies to the side and allows Garcia to push past him, and he hooks his leg around Garcia’s and tries to drag him down to the floor. Costa elects to lift Garcia up and slam him to the mat, but “Mean Machine” moves back up to his feet quickly. Costa clings to Garcia from behind relentlessly, and Garcia tries to defend with no-look elbows. Costa knees Garcia in the backside and upper thigh as he pressures his man, and Garcia responds with elbows on the thigh. Costa whips Garcia to a knee, and Garcia considers grabbing the fence but at the last second just points at it. Costa forces his man down to a knee again, but Garcia springs up with no ill effects. Costa continues to embrace the grind from behind, shutting down any offense from Garcia and forcing him to spend energy in strange exchanges. When Costa looks to get a hook in, Garcia shucks it off. Costa peppers with knees until scooping Garcia up and dumping him down once more. Garcia powers back upright, and he wiggles and wriggles but cannot escape. Costa trips Garcia out but is unable to keep him grounded for more than a second, and he stays in this position until the bell.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Costa
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Costa
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Costa

Round 2
Garcia comes out of his corner angrily, and he swings violently and connects with a few of his shots. Costa responds as the two engage in a mad brawl, with punches and elbows flailing in all directions. Garcia wings a left and a right, catching Costa and knocking him down to the canvas. “Mean Machine” follows him to the mat and drives down a vicious elbow, splitting Costa wide open, and Costa is in a bad way. Garcia smashes his man with fists and sharp elbows, and blood sprays around the canvas. Costa turns over and gives up his back, and Garcia snatches up a rear-naked choke. Perhaps due to the blood flow, Costa is able to slide out of the choke and turns to his back.
Garcia postures up, in full mount, and he demolishes “Melky” with three ruthless elbows. Tognoni halts the fight, with Costa out or very nearly out.
When Garcia dismounts his defeated adversary, Costa tries to take Tognoni down, and he is deep in on a single. Tognoni displays excellent takedown defense as officials flood the cage, with one very loud shouting at Costa to wake him back up. Costa realizes that he is trying to take down a referee and that the fight is over, and he surrenders.

The Official Result
Steve Garcia def. Melquizael Costa R2 1:01 via KO (Elbows)
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Dec 6, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Melquizael Costa

Cody picks Melquizael Costa. He notes that Costa is a volume puncher and Garcia is a knockout-or-bust fighter. Cody points out that Garcia has poor defense and gets rocked in his wins and losses. He thinks Costa's volume and durability will be key. Cody is suspicious that the line hasn't moved despite Garcia pulling out last week due to illness and moving up a weight class. He still favors Costa.

"I like Costa I'm playing Costa cost going to be high up there but it almost favors a little bit Garcia a little bit better"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Dec 6, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Melquizael Costa

Paul picks Melquizael Costa. He notes that he liked Costa last week and nothing has changed. Paul points out that Garcia has a history of missing weight and was sick last week, but now fights at lightweight without cutting weight. He thinks Garcia's power is a threat but Costa's volume and durability should win out. Paul is not taking Garcia just because of the circumstances.

"him getting sick and pulling out of a fight last week did not cause me to change my pick this week to suddenly take him so no no not taking Steve Garcia gonna stick with M Costa"
KO (body kick and punches) R2 0:36 · UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 · Apr 08, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Steve Garcia 1 18 of 35 51% 31 of 63 1 of 2 50% 0 0 3:34
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke 1 17 of 40 42% 50 of 77 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:15
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Steve Garcia 1 16 of 32 50% 29 of 60 1 of 2 50% 0 0 3:33
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke 0 6 of 23 26% 39 of 60 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:07
2 Steve Garcia 0 2 of 3 66% 2 of 3 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:01
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke 1 11 of 17 64% 11 of 17 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:08
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Steve Garcia 18 of 35 51% 15 of 31 3 of 4 0 of 0 8 of 16 0 of 0 10 of 19
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke 17 of 40 42% 14 of 37 3 of 3 0 of 0 12 of 35 1 of 1 4 of 4
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Steve Garcia 16 of 32 50% 13 of 29 3 of 3 0 of 0 6 of 13 0 of 0 10 of 19
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke 6 of 23 26% 5 of 22 1 of 1 0 of 0 6 of 23 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Steve Garcia 2 of 3 66% 2 of 2 0 of 1 0 of 0 2 of 3 0 of 0 0 of 0
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke 11 of 17 64% 9 of 15 2 of 2 0 of 0 6 of 12 1 of 1 4 of 4
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Steve Garcia vs. Nuerdanbieke Shayilan
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nuerdanbieke (-200), Garcia (+170)

Round 1
Moving right along, this next fight takes place in the featherweight category. Fresh off some sort of controversy from his last match with Darrick Minner – you can look it up – Shayilan (39-10, 3-1 UFC) wants to move on from that messiness and keep his win streak going. In his 50th professional MMA bout at the tender age of 28, Shayilan battles Garcia (13-5, 2-2 UFC), who has been on the giving and receiving ends of rough knockouts as of late. Before the fists fly, referee Larry Folsom clocks them in, and the fighters do not elect to touch gloves first. Garcia goes after a front kick, but Shayilan is well out of the way. Shayilan intercepts a kick to land a solid one-two, and Garcia pushes off with a front kick that slams into the cup. Folsom sees this and pauses the action immediately. After a little under a minute, Shayilan clears his pain and discomfort and is good to go. They crash together with big punches, and Shayilan backs off to coil back his big right hand. Garcia rushes in, and Shayilan unloads it, blasting Garcia in the face and sending him crumpling to the mat. Shayilan looks to finish the job with a barrage of punches, but Garcia ties him up and holds on to clear his wits. Shayilan postures up to nail Garcia with an elbow, and Garcia scoots his way back to the fencing. Garcia wall-walks to stand back up, and Shayilan drags him back to a knee in short order. Shayilan sneaks around to take the back of “Mean Machine,” and Garcia slides back into the clinch and pushes the Chinese fighter to the wire. Shayilan throws him to the mat and slashes down with an elbow, and he lowers himself into the guard. Garcia hangs on from on bottom to quell the bludgeoning, and Shayilan methodically opens up every so often to connect with a solid shot. Garcia works his way back up and bursts to his feet, and he has busted Shayilan open with his own strikes. Garcia rushes out, pushing the pace on “Wolverine” and unloading with a few punches. Garcia belts Shayilan in the face, stunning him and forcing Shayilan to shoot for a desperation takedown. Garcia, from his back, kicks a downed Shayilan in the face illegally, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shayilan
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shayilan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shayilan

Round 2
Garcia is amped up to start off the second round, rushing after the Chinese competitor and throwing bombs. Shayilan ducks down, and Garcia times a perfect kick that smashes Shayilan in the face and relocates his nose. Sensing that his opponent is in big, big trouble, Garcia unleashes a high kick, a right hand and a left that knock Shayilan back to the wall.
Garcia digs a stabbing, toe-first kick to the liver, and he punches the exact same spot, and “Wolverine” crumples to the mat. Any subsequent ground-and-pound is purely academic, and “Mean Machine” hammers the nail with a couple follow-up punches.
This is a mighty comeback for Garcia, who got cracked at the beginning of the fight and recovered to come on strong and pull off the solid stoppage.

The Official Result
Steve Garcia def. Nuerdanbieke Shayilan R2 0:36 via KO (Body Kick and Punches)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Lean picked Apr 5, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

Angelo picks Shayilan Nuerdanbieke but is hesitant to bet because of his low volume output. He notes that Shayilan is a powerful grappler with a bully style, but Steve Garcia is a high-volume striker who could steal rounds if Shayilan doesn't push the pace early. He is waiting for significant strike prop bets to drop, as he believes Steve Garcia will land more significant strikes even if Shayilan wins.

significant strikes prop (Steve Garcia to land more)
"I think shylon wins this fight the problem is the only thing that's preventing me from betting the hell out of shylon is he's a low volume guy"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Apr 3, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

Big Brady picks Shayilan Nuerdanbieke due to his wrestling advantage and durability concerns with Steve Garcia. He notes Garcia has been dropped multiple times in recent fights, questioning his chin. He believes Nuerdanbieke can mix takedowns and control the fight, potentially winning by decision or even knocking out Garcia. He predicts a decision win for Nuerdanbieke.

"I'll say Charlie on by decision I'll say he does mixing the takedowns it's what he does best"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Hesitant picked Apr 5, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Cody also picks Garcia, agreeing with Paul's reasoning. He notes Garcia's improvements and power, and that Nuerdanbieke's wrestling may not be enough to control Garcia. Cody mentions that Garcia has never been taken down in the UFC. He is cautious but sees value at +155. He says he took a shot on Garcia but warns it's a risky bet.

"at plus 155 Steve will be the pick for me as well"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Apr 6, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Nuerdanbieke. He notes that Garcia is fun and dangerous but his path to win leads him into his opponent's offense.

"I'm fine with the odds getting a little closer. Like I, I have always said Garcia is a better fighter than his record shows..."
JA
Jacob Lines Expert Confident picked Apr 5, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

Jacob is confident in Shayilan, noting that he trusts his chin more and believes he has the wrestling to slow down Steve Garcia's pressure. He thinks Garcia will come out aggressively, but Shayilan can counter him or take him down. He mentions that Garcia gets dropped often, so Shayilan has a good chance of a knockout. However, he wouldn't bet it because Garcia is a dangerous opponent who risks it all.

"I trust shylon's chin uh more and he's got the wrestling in this back pocket to kind of slow everything down"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Hesitant picked Apr 3, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

Nuerdanbieke uses his stocky frame to grind opponents with takedowns and top pressure, but his striking is wild and he slows down. Garcia has knockout power and unorthodox angles, but his consistency is questionable. I'm skeptical but think the grappling-heavy fighter is the smarter pick, though I have low confidence due to Garcia's power and unknowns.

"I am going to pick that as my prediction though as I think that usually it's smarter to go with the Garoppolo heavy fighter but there are so many question marks on the Steve Garcia side"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Hesitant picked Apr 5, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Paul picks Garcia but with very low confidence. He notes Garcia's tendency to run into punches and get dropped, but believes Nuerdanbieke is not a power puncher and relies on wrestling. Paul argues that Garcia has good takedown defense and power, and that Nuerdanbieke's low striking output could lead to a decision loss if he can't hold Garcia down. He also mentions the Florida crowd may favor Garcia's aggression. He calls it a 'fool pick of the week' and warns not to bet much.

"I will take Steve Garcia and it may be the PRP pick all the way at the bottom zero confidence in this fight whatsoever"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Apr 8, 2023 (fight day)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

The MMA Guru picks Shayilan Nuerdanbieke to win by 29-28 decision. He expects Nuerdanbieke to get a takedown in the first round, control the grappling, and mix in strikes. He thinks Garcia will have some success on the feet in the third round but not enough to overcome the earlier rounds. The prediction is detailed with round-by-round scenarios.

"I'm gonna go with by 29-28 decision"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Apr 6, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

Zane picks Nuerdanbieke because Garcia has terrible wrestling defense and Nuerdanbieke is persistent and strong. He notes that Nuerdanbieke will work hard and take Garcia down, which is too much of a hole for Garcia to overcome.

"I got to pick him. He's very persistent and he's super strong too, which sets up for a lot of his technical shortcomings."
WIN vs Chase Hooper
TKO (punches) R1 1:32 · UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Allen · Oct 29, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Steve Garcia 0 10 of 30 33% 10 of 32 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Chase Hooper 3 29 of 44 65% 31 of 46 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:17
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Steve Garcia 0 10 of 30 33% 10 of 32 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Chase Hooper 3 29 of 44 65% 31 of 46 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:17
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Steve Garcia 10 of 30 33% 7 of 25 2 of 4 1 of 1 10 of 30 0 of 0 0 of 0
Chase Hooper 29 of 44 65% 19 of 33 7 of 8 3 of 3 26 of 40 0 of 0 3 of 4
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Steve Garcia 10 of 30 33% 7 of 25 2 of 4 1 of 1 10 of 30 0 of 0 0 of 0
Chase Hooper 29 of 44 65% 19 of 33 7 of 8 3 of 3 26 of 40 0 of 0 3 of 4
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Steve Garcia vs. Chase Hooper

Round 1
The quintessential “striker vs. grappler” label certainly applies to this next pairing at 145 pounds, when the submission-minded Hooper (11-2-1, 3-2 UFC) comes to blows with “Mean Machine” Garcia (12-5, 1-2 UFC). The third man in the cage for this fight that could end suddenly is referee Herb Dean, and he prepares himself should he need to step in. The fighters touch gloves, and Hooper is immediately the aggressor. He walks into a few punches from Garcia, and Hooper is stung in a hurry. Garcia follows a combination with a knee, and Hooper shakes it off and backs off. Garcia sets him down with a left hand, and he does not follow him down. When Hooper stands back up, “Mean Machine” blasts him with another left hand, and Hooper hits the mat for the third time in under a minute. The youngster Hooper keeps his wits about him and works his way back up, and Garcia is not about to let him off the hook. Hooper flails and spins with a back fist, but the power of Garcia is vastly more significant.
The Jackson-Wink fighter chains together a right to the body and a left to the head, and “The Dream” becomes a nightmare as he crumples to the mat from a thudding left hand. While he might still be able to keep going, Dean recognizes that the last knockdown was a bad one as Hooper’s face is busted and swelling fast. The onslaught has ripped open Hooper's left eyebrow to leak blood in the young man's eye, and it does not take more than a few mean hammerfists from “Mean Machine” to prompt Dean’s intervention.
This was largely one-way traffic for Garcia, who registered an instant contender for “Beatdown of the Year” by demolishing the 23-year-old in a hair over 90 seconds.

The Official Result
Steve Garcia def. Chase Hooper R1 1:32 via TKO (Punches)
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Oct 25, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

Big Brady picks Chase Hooper to win by second-round TKO. He highlights Hooper's improved wrestling and striking, and his dangerous ground game, noting that Hooper finished the tough Felipe Colares in his last fight. He contrasts Garcia's sketchy chin and poor grappling defense, referencing Garcia's fight against Luis Pena where he was controlled for 14 minutes. Brady believes Hooper will get the fight to the mat and finish Garcia.

Hooper wins by second-round TKO
"I like Cooper to win this fight inside the distance I'll say like a second round like a TKO for Chase super"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Oct 26, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

Cody picks Chase Hooper, noting his improvements in wrestling and striking, and his physical maturity. He criticizes Steve Garcia's poor chin, striking defense, and lack of X-factor. Cody expects Hooper to take Garcia down, backpack him with a body triangle, and finish with ground and pound. He likes Hooper by knockout at +475.

Hooper by knockout at +475
"Chase by knockout plus 475 that's what I'm in on this one I think Chase Hooper's got a good chance to go out there to take this fight to the ground dominate the exact same way and just pile up …"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Oct 27, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

Connor picks Hooper confidently, highlighting his improved understanding of MMA grappling and his aggressive ground and pound. He notes that Garcia's game is built on getting to the pocket and taking people down, which will give Hooper opportunities to wrap him up and do damage. Connor compares it to Garcia's fight against Luis Pena, but with more damage coming back.

Same odds commentary as Zane.
"This will be that pain you fight, but with a lot more damage coming back."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Lean picked Oct 26, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

Daniel Levi picks Chase Hooper, citing his heart, improvement, and grappling skills. He notes Garcia's weight issues and recent KO losses. He references the Luis Pena fight where Pena backpacked Garcia, giving confidence in Hooper's grappling. He is not interested in laying -260.

"I'm gonna go with Chase super here I'm just not in any kind of Rush delay a price like minus 250 on him."
JA
Jacob Lines Expert Confident picked Oct 25, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

Jacob is very confident in Chase Hooper, citing his improved striking, toughness, and elite grappling. He notes Steve Garcia gets dropped often and has chin issues, and if Garcia wrestles, that plays into Hooper's strengths. Jacob sees a potential TKO or submission for Hooper.

inside the distance for Chase Hooper
"my official pick is Chase Hooper I love him in this matchup"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Hesitant picked Oct 27, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

Hooper is a jiu-jitsu ace but his striking is still developing. Garcia has power but poor takedown defense and can be controlled against the cage. Hooper should be able to take Garcia down and work for a submission, similar to Luis Pena's performance. However, the heavy chalk on Hooper is concerning given his past struggles. The submission prop at +250 is appealing.

Hooper by submission +250
"I still get a little queasy thinking about taking Chase super at this type of chalk but this still seems like a spot he should go out there control the majority of the fight until he can eventually lock up …"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Oct 26, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

Paul picks Chase Hooper but is hesitant to bet at -300. He notes Hooper's youth and development, but is concerned about his wrestling and stand-up still being works in progress. Paul says he will pick Hooper for the show but may not bet him.

"I'm gonna pick them for the purposes of this show but I don't know how I really get there from a betting perspective"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Oct 25, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

The MMA Guru picks Chase Hooper over Steve Garcia, impressed by Hooper's last performance where he gassed out and finished Felipe Colares. He notes Hooper's grappling pace and ability to drown opponents on the ground. He believes Garcia, coming off a brutal KO loss, will struggle with Hooper's pressure and that Hooper will win by 29-28 decision, losing the first but winning the last two rounds.

"I'm going with Chase Hooper here I've doubted him at times in his career but I must admit... after his last performance it was so impressive"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Oct 27, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Chase Hooper

Zane picks Hooper confidently, noting his huge improvements in striking and grappling aggression. He describes Hooper as a super technical grappler who now uses ground and pound effectively. Zane argues that Garcia's style of pushing into the pocket and clinching plays directly into Hooper's strengths, and that Garcia is not a great athlete, making him vulnerable to Hooper's submissions and control.

Hooper opened -185 now -267, Garcia opened +159 now +214.
"Chase Hooper is going to make that really apparent."
Expert Picks (7)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jun 5, 2022 (7 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Angelo is confident in Steve Garcia, citing his grappling advantage and experience. He notes Maheshate is young and inexperienced, and Garcia has a clear path to victory by pressuring and using takedowns. He thinks the odds are close but the fighters are worlds apart in grappling and experience.

solid money line bet
"i'm confident he's going to do that and i'm confident he's going to work in his grappling i think this is a tricky fight but i also think steve has a very clean path to victory here"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jun 6, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Big Brady picks Steve Garcia to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Maheshate has poor takedown defense and get-up game, while Garcia is the better striker and wrestler. He expects Garcia to take Maheshate down and finish him with ground and pound, though he acknowledges Garcia's chin is a concern after being dropped multiple times by Charlie Ontiveros.

win by first round knockout
"Steve Garcia I think he's the better striker I think he's the better wrestler the better grappler he should be able to go out here and take down Maheshate and finish him early on."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Jun 8, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Maheshate

Cody picks Maheshate as an underdog, believing he is the wrong fighter favorite. He notes Maheshate's youth, durability, and power, and thinks Garcia's wrestling is overrated. He made a bet on Maheshate at +135 and is willing to do a prop bet with Paul.

bet at +135; willing to do a prop bet
"i bet mahashate i actually took a bad number i took them at plus 135 i think it's the wrong fighter favorite"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Jun 9, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Daniel Levi confidently picks Steve Garcia, believing Maheshate does not belong in the UFC yet. He notes Garcia's experience against better competition, including a win over Ronnie Lawrence. He acknowledges Garcia's vulnerability to getting hurt but thinks Garcia's wrestling and volume will be too much. He is only concerned about jet lag and judges favoring the Asian fighter.

"I got Steve Garcia to come out here and you know give this guy a first class ticket and a tour of the octagon and show him what's what you know at the UFC level I don't think belongs"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jun 10, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Garcia has the grappling edge and can take the fight to the ground if needed. He has UFC experience and has fought tougher competition. Maheshate is young and unproven, with wins over low-level opponents. Garcia should be able to grind out a win or find a finish. I'll be on Garcia side but no bet.

"I think that garcia's gonna hold the grappling edge if he doesn't like what's going on on the feet and he also has the edge of having previous ufc fights."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Jun 8, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

Paul picks Garcia, citing his wrestling and top pressure. He thinks Garcia can take Maheshate down and grind out a decision. He acknowledges Garcia's shaky performance against Charlie Ontiveros but believes his grappling will be the difference.

Garcia by decision
"my actual pick would be steve garcia the minus 170 i don't like all that much"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jun 6, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Steve Garcia

The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia to win by late second or third round TKO via ground and pound. He criticizes Maheshate's competition level and suggests he was given a UFC contract for marketability. He notes Garcia's experience (fighting since 2012) and better opposition, including fights with Ricky Turcios and Louis Pena. He believes Garcia's pace and pressure will break Maheshate, who is too young and inexperienced. He also doubts Maheshate's ability to knock Garcia out.

tko to ground and pound late second third round
"steve garcia puts a pace on him breaks him down and he's the guy who's going to win like a shutout performance and i reckon get it done by like tko to ground and pound late second third round"