Ryan Garcia Eyes MMA Transition Amidst Legal Battles and Suspension
Ryan Garcia, the former interim WBC lightweight champion, has had a challenging few months. Following a one-year suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), many are wondering how the boxer will spend his unexpected free time. According to UFC star Khalil Rountree, the answer might be simpler than expected: transitioning to mixed martial arts (MMA).
The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. Garcia himself has hinted at least once about wanting to try his hand at MMA. In February, during a press conference to promote his fight with Devin Haney, Garcia made a characteristic taunt towards UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley. O’Malley, however, did not take the bait and instead expressed respect for the boxer.
Rountree believes that Garcia has a genuine chance to succeed in MMA, provided he is dedicated and willing to adapt his skill set. Speaking during UFC Fight Week, Rountree acknowledged Garcia’s high-level boxing skills and strong work ethic, both of which are crucial for success in combat sports.
In an interview with Givemesport, the UFC light heavyweight outlined the path “KingRy” should follow to transition into MMA. “I think adding kicks and takedowns… that’s another element. When you have a high-level boxer, and they know how to fight, their instincts will react to boxing,” he explained.
Rountree emphasized that “any high-level boxer has a fair chance in the UFC.” However, he also cautioned that Garcia would need to integrate new techniques into his arsenal. “Without takedowns, he might execute all five of his punches. Including takedowns, he could survive the first round… The second round will be tough, but he might make it through the first,” Rountree noted.
Garcia’s potential transition to MMA is not without its challenges. Experts warn that he would need to start from the bottom and it could take a year or two to reach the top. This assumes that Garcia dedicates himself full-time and shows the same commitment as he did in the early stages of his boxing career.
On the other hand, the UFC or one of its rival promotions could capitalize on Garcia’s fame and name recognition from boxing. Similar transitions have been seen with fighters like Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira, who began as boxers before moving to MMA.
Experts suggest that if the UFC decides to bring Garcia on board, they should introduce him to fights gradually, avoiding opponents focused on grappling and wrestling, who could overwhelm him in the first round. Instead, pairing him with opponents who have a more upright fighting style could give him the space to learn and evolve into a top MMA contender.
Despite the legal battles and suspension, Garcia’s determination and willingness to adapt might pave the way for a successful transition into MMA, potentially setting a new precedent for boxers looking to diversify their combat sports careers.
