Luis Pena (7-2) vs. Steve Garcia Jr. (D) (11-3)
Narrative: Steve Garcia, a former Bellator athlete, steps up on very short notice to try his hand against Violent Bob Ross. How short notice? When Pena got on the plane to Norfolk earlier this week, he still didn’t have an opponent. Garcia has been fighting at bantamweight and featherweight, where he has had a significant size advantage over opponents. However, at lightweight, he’s giving up several inches in height and reach to the towering Luis Pena.
Shawn Bitter: Pena usually has a significant height advantage against his opponents but this time he’s only three inches taller. This is a very interesting style match-up as both are long rangy strikers with a big arsenal. This is a very close fight but it’s one where Garcia edges it out. There’s a good chance this fight will stay on the feet for the most part. Garcia is more accurate, has more power, and a better gas tank. It could go either way but I’m heavily leaning towards Garcia.
Max Freedman: While Garcia could potentially score with takedowns, Pena’s long, rangy striking will ultimately prevail over 15 min. Pena TKO (3).
Kristen King: As much as I appreciate any fighter stepping up on days’ notice for a fight, I think Steve Garcia Jr. may be in over his head when he takes on Luis Pena. Outside of his knockout power, I cannot see anywhere else Garcia Jr. poses a legitimate threat to Pena, who has his striking and grappling to fall back on no matter where the fight goes. Garcia Jr. has struggled before in areas where Pena generally excels, so I am picking Pena to win by way of technical knockout in the second round.
Anthony Walker: N/A
Keith Shillan: Pena
Marcel Dorff: Steve Garcia Jr. finally made it to the UFC. The Jackson-Wink MMA fighter has for years been a big player in the regional scene. He won impressively on DWCS last year but didn’t make weight. Dana White didn’t give him a contract afterwards. He had a huge win in the LFA organization most recently against Jose Mariscal, and was supposed to fight for the title in April. But he signed with the UFC to take on Pena one weight class up. Peña is a big talent but not very consistent so far in the Octagon. I expect Garcia Jr. to surprise Peña and finish him in the first round.
Ryan Fortune: Pena
Daniel Vreeland: Pena
