MIAMI – Steve Garcia’s toughness and tenacity proved to be his biggest traits in a comeback win over Shayilan Nuerdanbieke on Saturday at UFC 287.
Nuerdanbieke (39-11 MMA, 3-2 UFC) started the featherweight fight at Kaseya Center strong, hurting Garcia (14-5 MMA, 3-2 UFC) with big punches and having his opponent on the ropes. It would’ve been over against an opponent with less heart, but it wasn’t happening on this night.
Garcia stayed alive and turned the tables by rocking Nuerdanbieke multiple times late in the first round. He picked up where he left off on the second, landing a left body kick followed by a nasty show to the body that led to the knockout finish at the 0:36 mark of Round 2.
