Despite losing to Roger Huerta at UFC 69 via unanimous decision in one of the most closely contested bouts of the evening Leonard Garcia impressed enough to earn himself another shot in the UFC. Although a rematch with the rising Huerta is a ways off, Garcia became a fan favorite preparing for the bout on short notice yet still putting up a good fight. Here’s a quote from Brawl Sports which broke the news of Garcia’s continued UFC future:

We’ll also get a chance to see Garcia again. UFC President Dana White says Garcia’s performance at 69 earned him another crack in the Championship, and although a rematch against Huerta won’t come next, Garcia would love a fourth round.

After the loss Garcia commented on his future particularly in the UFC against Roger Huerta:

“The smiling was just basically to let Roger know when he watches this fight, as hard as he was hitting me, when he sees me smiling, he’s going to have that doubt.  He’s definitely a fight I’m going to want to have again.  With a little more time, I think he knows, and I know, he has no chance against me.”

With a young fighter like Garcia to have this kind of confidence after a close loss goes to show that he embodies what the UFC is all about and truly deserves another shot in the UFC.

Tags: Leonard Garcia, Roger Huerta