Looking for his second straight win at UFC 275 was lightweight Steve Garcia, welcoming Maheshate to the octagon.
The Chinese fighter had won his way into the UFC via the Contender Series last year, while Garcia had posted a 1-1 record including his short-notice debut against Luis Pena back at UFC Norfolk.
Ahead of the fight, Garcia, a former bantamweight, spoke to Cageside Press about the reasons behind his decision to stick with lightweight moving forward.
The lone newcomer on the UFC 275 card, Maheshate made his debut a memorable one — and it didn’t last long.
It was high action from both fighters at the start. Maheshate landed a knee to the body and then Garcia backed him up with a flurry. As Garcia came forward, Maheshate sat him down with a right hand. It was only briefly as Garcia was right back up. Off the clinch, Garcia rushed forward right into another counter right. That time it face-planted Garcia, the Chinese fighter a beautiful knockout victory.
The booth loved that one!
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— UFC (@ufc) June 12, 2022
Following the win, newcomer Maheshate said that he was coming for gold, but going to take it one step at a time. He’s off to a good start at the very least.
Official Result: Maheshate def. Steve Garcia by knockout (counter right), round 1, 1:14
