The MMA Daily

We have a scrap in the Bantamweight division, as Journey Newson takes on newcomer Fernie Garcia. Out since September of 2020, Newson returns to the octagon looking to turn things around. In three appearances, Newson has lost two and saw a 38-second knockout victory overturned due to a failed drug test. Lo and behold, even with the layoff and poor success, Newson has been gifted another opportunity to prove he’s UFC caliber. Meanwhile, Garcia is coming off an impressive knockout victory on Dana White’s Contender Series. One in which earned Garcia a contract and extended his win-streak to five.

As for a prediction, I have Garcia winning. I’m not entirely certain about this one, but Newson’s concerns far outweigh his positives. For starters, Newson has been out of action for more than a year and a half and has been knocked out in two of his three losses. Throw in the fact that in three UFC fights, Newson sports a 32% striking accuracy, zero percent takedown defense and is only landing a mere 2.76 significant strikes per minute, and it’s hard to side with him. Now, from the tape I’ve seen on Garcia, he looks to have good striking, offensive wrestling and grappling. On the feet, Garcia looks to walk down foes and throw sharp combinations. Not afraid of a brawl, Garcia will stay inside the pocket and be composed. If he see’s a weakness in his opponent’s wrestling, Garcia will get the fight to the mat – where he is a patient, yet effective grappler. The only problem I’ve seen with Garcia is his takedown defense. However, credit to Garcia, he has often found a way to pop right back up. So with all that said, I predict that Garcia will win via TKO.