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Leonard Garcia Bio
Leonard Garcia (born July 14, 1979 in Plainview, Texas) is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He previously fought for the UFC in the lightweight division before moving down to the featherweight division in the World Extreme Cagefighting. Garcia currently trains at Greg Jackson's Submission Fighting located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is known for his brawling style and for having an "iron chin", having never being knocked out in MMA competition.
Mixed martial arts career
Garcia began his career in 1999, competing on the regional circuit in the Western United States. Garcia competed in the first WEC event back in 2001 at WEC 1. After compiling an impressive 8–1 beginning to his professional career, Garcia took a three year break.
Returning to action in 2006, Garcia was tabbed as a short notice replacement against high ranking contender Roger Huerta at UFC 69 where he lost a very one sided unanimous decision, after taking an awful lot of punishment throughout the fight.
Garcia then defeated Allen Berube by submission at The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale. In his next bout Garcia lost via decision to Cole Miller at UFC Fight Night 11. After going 1–2 with the UFC, Garcia was released from his contract.
World Extreme Cagefighting
Garcia defeated Hiroyuki Takaya via first round KO at WEC 32. In his next fight, Leonard knocked out former undisputed UFC lightweight champion and WEC featherweight title challenger Jens Pulver seventy-two seconds into first round at WEC 36.
On March 1, 2009, Garcia lost the WEC Featherweight title match against champion Mike Brown. Brown landed a huge overhand right, knocking Gracia down in the first 30 seconds of the fight, landed some ground and pound, and then secured a fight ending arm triangle choke.
Garcia defeated Jameel Massouh by controversial split decision on August 9, 2009 at WEC 42. In his next fight, Garcia lost to Judo specialist Manvel Gamburyan on November 18, 2009 at WEC 44 via unanimous decision.
Garcia was expected to face Diego Nunes on March 6, 2010 at WEC 47, but Nunes was forced from the card with an injury. Garcia instead faced former UFC fighter George Roop with the bout ending in a split draw that was seen as strange as many felt Roop had won the fight.
Garcia faced WEC newcomer Chan Sung Jung on April 24, 2010 at WEC 48. Garcia replaced Cub Swanson who was forced from the card with an injury. The fight went the full three rounds and Garcia won in a controversial split decision. The fight won Fight of the Night honors, being hailed by UFC matchmaker Joe Silva and announcer Joe Rogan as "the best fight I've seen in my life."
Garcia faced Mark Hominick on September 30, 2010 at WEC 51. He lost the fight via split decision.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC. Garcia was expected to face Tyler Toner at The Ultimate 12 Finale, but Garcia was pulled from the bout with Toner in favor of a bout with Nam Phan.
Garcia won the fight via a controversial split decision. Garcia and Phan received Fight of the Night honors for their performances. This was the first televised featherweight bout in the UFC.
A rematch with Phan was expected on March 26, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 24. However, Phan was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Chan Sung Jung. Garcia lost to Jung in the second round, falling victim to the first twister submission in UFC history.
Garcia was expected to face The Ultimate Fighter 12 alumni Alex Caceres on August 14, 2011 at UFC on Versus 5. However, Garcia was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Jim Hettes.
Garcia fought Nam Phan in a rematch UFC 136. Garcia lost via unanimous decision in a fight that earned Fight of the Night honors.
Garcia was expected to face Zhang Tie Quan on February 26, 2012 at UFC 144. However, Garcia was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Issei Tamura.
Garcia is expected to face Matt Grice on June 8, 2012 at UFC on FX 3.
Personal life
In March 2008, Garcia was arrested as part of an alleged cocaine ring, which put his career on hold. According to Garcia, "I had a buddy, a really good friend of mine in Lubbock, and he was into things that weren't good," he said. "I knew about what the guy was up to but he was a friend of mine. The law says even if he's your friend, you are required to report on the guy. The other 11 guys, I didn't know any of them." Three months later, he was exonerated.
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Won Fight of the Night (Twice)
- World Extreme Cagefighting
- Won Fight of the Night (Twice)
- Won Knockout of the Night (Once)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Fight of the Year (2010) vs. Chan Sung Jung
Mixed martial arts record
External links
- Leonard 'Bad Boy' Garcia Official site
- Official UFC Profile
- Tapout Ranch Official site
- Blue Chip Management Official site
- Professional MMA record for Leonard Garcia from Sherdog
MMA Shirts
