The stakes were high for Combate Americas veteran Rafa Garcia when he entered the octagon Saturday at UFC Vegas 43.
Having dropped his first two fights under the UFC banner, Garcia, the former Combate lightweight champion, was paired up with Contender Series winner Natan Levy, who was making his debut on the night.
Garcia got in Levy’s face right away on Saturday. Early on, Levy was throwing with a lot of power in his hooks and kicks as Garcia came forward. Levy at one point slipped to the mat and Garcia used a front choke to control the position. While still on the head Gracia grabbed a leg and took Levy down. Quickly, Levy got right back to his feet and landed a heavy body kick. Levy right after the body kick landed a glancing wheel kick. Garcia all action with his hands and Levy returned with a question-mark kick. Garcia pinned Levy against the cage and Levy hit a foot sweep to get the separation. Garcia shot right away for another takedown and completed it right at the bell.
Sound on for that one 😳🔉@Levy_Natan with a heavy body kick in the first!
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— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
Thirty seconds into round two Garcia caught a kick and planted Levy. Levy got right back to his feet though. Both Levy and Garcia were trading kicks and it was Levy getting the better of them. Garcia had more success when he was letting his hands go. Levy ended up getting a takedown on Garcia. Garcia got back up and was dragged back down but eventually got back to his feet. Levy came forward throwing heavy kicks but Garcia got the takedown and ended the round on top.
It wasn’t long into round three until Garcia shot for a takedown, but Levy defended. More forward pressure from Levy and Garcia kept responding with takedown attempts. Garcia continued trying to ground Levy but Levy was keeping the fight upright. Not letting off on the takedowns Garcia eventually got in down. Levy got back up but Garcia had his hands clasped and took him back down. Garcia lacked heavy top position this whole fight and he let Levy get right back to his feet. Levy shot in for a takedown but Garcia sprawled and was the one to get a nice double leg himself. Garcia ended the fight on top, and did enough to take it on the scorecards.
Heavy output from both guys right out the gates ⚡️
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— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
Official Result: Rafa Garcia def. Natan Levy by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
