Soon after making his UFC debut on short notice a month ago, former Combate Americas champion Rafa Garcia has signed on to a fight against Chris Gruetzemacher.
A pair of lightweights will try and get back in the win column at a UFC event this July. According to Combate, Chris Gruetzemacher will be Rafa Garcia’s second fight with the promotion on July 31 at a yet-to-be-announced event.
Gruetzemacher (14-4) returned after more than a two-year layoff last Halloween at UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva. He will be looking to bounce back after his brutal first-round knockout loss to Alexander Hernandez. Before his loss to Hernandez, he was the last person to defeat veteran Joe Lauzon when he absolutely battered him in April 2018, leading to a corner stoppage. The Lauzon win would lead to a Performance of the Night award. “Gritz” is looking for his third Octagon win after going 2-5 in the promotion.
Garcia (12-1) will be looking for his first win with the promotion after he was unsuccessful in his debut. “Gifted” stepped in on short notice to fight Nasrat Haqparast at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad last month. He went on to lose a unanimous decision; however, he left a lasting impression by fighting a very bright prospect. The loss to Haqparast would snap his 12-fight undefeated streak. Garcia was the Combate lightweight champion before being signed by the promotion and fought for Combate eight times.
No other fights have been reported for the July 31 card as of yet, neither has a location.
