Leonard Garcia: A 'Bad Boy's' journey to the WEC
by Robert Moore on Feb 11, 2008 12:41 PM EST
15 comments
A year ago, Leonard Garcia was just one of many up-and-coming MMA fighters looking for his big break. At that point, the "Bad Boy" had racked up a at 9-1 record competing in smaller local promotions. Little did he know that his next fight would springboard him into MMA folklore.
Houston, Texas, provided the setting for Leonard Garcia to make his auspicious Octagon debut against lightweight sensation, Roger Huerta, at UFC 69. The clash would become one of the fights of the year.
Though Huerta won a clear but hard fought unanimous decision and later beczme the first MMA fighter to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, Leonard Garcia earned a reputation as a tough as nails brawler during his three round slugfest with Huerta.
He recently told MMAWeekly.com:
"I was excited about being able to fight a guy as tough as Roger (Huerta), but this year I hope to do more. Last year I got my name out there, and I feel l should accomplish more than I did."
After compiling a 1-2 record in the UFC with a win over Allen Berubie and a loss to Cole Miller, Garcia moved to the WEC to compete at his more natural fighting weight of 145 pounds. Garcia -- a member of Team Jackson in Albuquerque, New Mexico -- is looking to move into contention in the WEC's packed featherweight division.
Here's a snip:
"Now that I'm going to be at 145, I think it is going to allow me to get to where and do the things I was supposed to do at 155. Last year it was good to get my name out there, but this year is the year I'm going to work towards achieving my goals and get a title somewhere."
The "Bad Boy" is already starting to reap the benefits from dropping down a weight class.
Another snip:
"I'm a little bit faster and I look leaner. Strength-wise everybody thinks I feel stronger now than what I did. I'm doing more push-ups, pull-ups, and cleans, so I'm getting a lot stronger now at 145 than I was at 155."
Even with the new weight division and new promotion, Leonard Garcia still faces the same old task of fighting another exciting combatant. For the WEC: "Condit vs. Prater" show on February 13, Garcia will make his WEC debut against the explosive Hiroyuki Takaya.
Garcia's thoughts on the upcoming challenge:
"Hiroyuki is a tough guy, so I think that this is going to be one huge step in my career. I don't think it's going to be the only step, but I think it's a pretty big jump coming into the weight class and fighting a guy as high-profile as him."
Finally, Garcia has a suggestion for the fans watching his upcoming fight.
"To the fans, just letting you know that on paper this looks like Fight of the Night. Don't blink; don't take your eyes off the fight for one second, because you'll miss something. I'm going to give you all everything I've got. I don't know what he's bringing to the table, but he better bring everything he's got, because I'm bringing mine."
We wouldn't expect anything less from Garcia ... no matter who or where he fights.
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The WEC is doing a great job of attracting the top featherweight, bantamweight and flyweights. There really is no other viable platform for the fighters in the lighter weights to showcase their talents. I think it’s telling that the WEC if attracting Japanese fighters like Hiroyuki Takaya, Yoshiro Maeda and Kenji Osawa to come stateside to fight. Everyone considers the WEC to be the UFC “developmental promotion” but in reality, they are proving their importance through the lighter weights. ZUFFA is doing a good job of developing both of their promotions without stepping on each other’s toes.
by Andy on Feb 11, 2008 1:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The WEC is doing a great job of attracting the top featherweight, bantamweight and flyweights. There really is no other viable platform for the fighters in the lighter weights to showcase their talents. I think it’s telling that the WEC if attracting Japanese fighters like Hiroyuki Takaya, Yoshiro Maeda and Kenji Osawa to come stateside to fight. Everyone considers the WEC to be the UFC “developmental promotion” but in reality, they are proving their importance through the lighter weights. ZUFFA is doing a good job of developing both of their promotions without stepping on each other’s toes.
I agree…the lighter divisions in the WEC have really come together in 2007 and they are still growing. I think Garcia is a really nice addition to this division. I think we’ll get to see his potential this year. He showed a lot heart and an iron chin when he fought Huerta. I couldn’t believe the punishment he took and kept on going…with a smile on his face no less. This move opens a lot of doors for him and I hope he starts stringing some wins togehter…I’d like to see him go up against Pulver or Faber. I’d like to see more of the smaller lightweights from the UFC go down to the WEC featherweright division.
by Buster Bluth on Feb 11, 2008 2:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I enjoy watching the WEC fighters. The lighter weight divisions have got some tough tough guys and I’m looking forward to seeing more. I just wonder how Uriah Faber would size up against Jens Pulver.
Garcia showed a tremendous amount of heart and skill with the fight against Huerta I was rooting for the guy when he was smiling in the cage cause he knew he was in a brawl. Still trying to figure out what he said to Huerta in spanish at the start of the second round.
by Tobias808 on Feb 11, 2008 2:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
according to message boards I’ve read, it seems Garcia said to Huerta something like “Let’s show these Americanos how Mexicans fight,” only in Spanish…which I cannot possibly begin to translate for you.
by wagnerav on Feb 11, 2008 2:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I am a big fan of Garcia..the guy is a warrior. I wish him success at 145 lb.
by john on Feb 11, 2008 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
After watching the Huerta/Garcia fight, I don’t know how anyone can not be a fan of Leonard. He was a bit undersized at 155, so 145 should suit him perfectly.
A Garcia/Pulver stand and bang match would be fantastic.
Has anyone ever seen Garcia’s groundgame? I can’t recall…
by ViolentMike on Feb 11, 2008 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
leonard would knock out rampage jackson and bj penn all at the same time trust me he is good really good
by Sanchez505 on Feb 11, 2008 4:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
leonard would knock out rampage jackson and bj penn all at the same time trust me he is good really good
You’re thinking of Marlon Sims.
by PW on Feb 11, 2008 4:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i like this guy i really believe he will be a force at 145 without a doubt.
by ORTIZ!!!!!!08....BABY! on Feb 11, 2008 8:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
After watching the Huerta/Garcia fight, I don’t know how anyone can not be a fan of Leonard. He was a bit undersized at 155, so 145 should suit him perfectly.
A Garcia/Pulver stand and bang match would be fantastic.
Has anyone ever seen Garcia’s groundgame? I can’t recall…
Leonard has solid brazilian jiu jitsu ..I think hes a brown belt..
by chrisTX on Feb 12, 2008 8:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Leonard has solid brazilian jiu jitsu ..I think hes a brown belt..
Thanks Chris. Now that you mention it, I think I remember hearing/reading that somewhere.
by ViolentMike on Feb 12, 2008 11:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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