Why UFC's Steve Garcia thinks about BMF title more than undisputed

Steve Garcia would look forward to fighting for the BMF title over an undisputed UFC championship.

Garcia (17-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC), MMA Junkie’s 2024 Under the Radar Fighter of the Year, is on a five-fight knockout streak. His exciting style earned him an opportunity against perennial contender Edson Barboza (24-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC) Feb. 22 at UFC Fight Night 252 from Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle (ESPN+).

Garcia loves nothing more than meeting his opponent in the middle and throwing down, which is why the idea of a BMF title excites him.

“If I would say that there’s a title I prefer to fight for, it would be the BMF title,” Garcia told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’ve been able to knock out a lot of these guys. There’s nothing against the undisputed title, but the undisputed title, you could literally win the undisputed title, and you can win on decisions the whole entire time.

“You could win on submissions the whole entire time. You can be great and do knockouts and stuff like that, too, but I think the BMF title, the meaning says it all. To be one of the baddest dudes to step into a cage, throw in my words, chingassos. You’re going for it.”

The current BMF champion is Max Holloway, and that’s a fight Garcia would absolutely love to have.

“I would love a fight with Max,” Garcia said. “I’m such a huge fan of him, but my goodness, if you want to watch something that can go off, I think that would be a good fight. I guess I’ve got to keep knocking people out and prove people what I’m able to do to maybe have that opportunity or that shot. I think about the BMF title more than I think about the undisputed title to be honest.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 252.