Garcia: I’m Motivated

Edgar's Army is ready to take on TUF 9 runner-up DaMarques Johnson at UFC 107

Edgar Garcia is one of the select few welterweights brought to the UFC after Zuffa, LLC  — the WEC and UFC’s parent company — dissolved the heavier weight classes in the WEC. Known for his explosive power and ability to always deliver an exciting performance, it’s no wonder matchmakers Shawn Shelby and Joe Silva knew he would be a great fit in the UFC welterweight division. All but two of Garcia’s wins ended in knock outs; which leaves fans to speculate if DaMarques Johnson will be his next victim on Saturday night.

Garcia’s first fight in the UFC was a controversial decision loss to Brad Blackburn. Though many, including several MMA insiders, saw the fight going in Garcia’s favor, the judges gave the split victory to Blackburn. Since that loss Garcia has been focusing on correcting the mistakes he made and getting back on track to come out of this fight with the “W”.

“I’m motivated,” said Garcia. “I want to win this time. That made me a little bit hungrier so I trained a little bit harder this time in everything and I’m going to try and mix it up a little bit more. We’ll see how the fight goes; hopefully I get a quick finish.”

With both Johnson and Garcia coming off a loss there will be not shortage of willingness to do whatever it takes to walk away with the win during their fight. Garcia has learned what can happen when you leave your fate in the hands of the judges. He knows to ensure himself a victory, and to gain one step up the metaphorical UFC ladder, he’ll have to finish Johnson before the end of round three.

“I’ve seen the video [of the Blackburn fight] a couple of time and I think I won,” Garcia said with a laugh. “I won two rounds so that should have been a victory for me, but the judges thought otherwise. That’s why you’re not supposed to leave it up to the judges. Try to finish the fight instead of going the distance.”

To try and stop the fight short of the final bell, Garcia plans on keeping it on the feet and working with Johnson’s length. Though Johnson has only an inch in height over Garcia, he is much lengthier. Garcia explains he plans to use that to his advantage, making it easier for him to get inside Johnson’s reach and, hopefully, catch him with a knock out punch.

“He’s a really lengthy guy; he has really long arms,” explained Garcia. “He’s a good striker, so I’m going to try and counter attack his punches and slip under the punches try to attack him. Maybe even get a takedown or two and pound him out, maybe even submit him.”

His game plan, much like Johnson’s, is to not neccassarily have a game plan. If there is an opening in Johnson’s game Garcia plans on pinpointing it and fully utilizing it in his favor. Wanting to do anything to avoid another judges decision, Garcia knows that to win he will have to capitalize on every mistake Johnson makes.

“I’m going to do whatever I see,” Garcia said. “Whatever is there for me, I’m going to try and do it. If a takedown is there, I’m going to go for it. If the knock out is there I’m going to go for a knock out. If the submission is there I’ll take it. I’m just going to go with how the fight is playing out. Whatever he gives me I’m going to take advantage of that.”