Prediction: Jared Gordon via TKO
Gordon is not the cleanest or most polished striker, but what makes him effective is the relentlessness of his approach. He has that New York-style grit, walks forward with confidence, and forces his opponents into uncomfortable exchanges. That’s a real problem for Garcia. Garcia is a well rounded fighter. Solid jab and competent wrestling, but he needs time and space to operate. He looks his best when he’s the one dictating pace, picking his shots, and choosing when to engage. The moment you push him backward, the edges of his game start to dull. His footwork isn’t quick enough laterally to consistently pivot off the cage, and he tends to shell up instead of firing back with volume. That’s tailor made for someone like Gordon, who thrives in ugly, high-pressure fights where he can force a war of attrition.
What makes Gordon so tough to beat is how hard it is to get him off you. His takedown defense is solid and he is stronger than he looks. That’s important here because Garcia, will need the wrestling to work. On the feet, Garcia will get his moments, especially early, because Gordon’s defense isn’t airtight. But Gordon has proven he can eat shots, bite down, and keep pressing forward. That constant barrage is what breaks Garcia down. He has shown that when pressured, his output drops, his defense keeps opening up, and his timing gets disrupted. Gordon’s combination of durability, forward pressure, and heavy hands is the exact formula that gives Garcia trouble. Over time, Garcia will be forced to fight at a pace that doesn’t suit him and will keep eating more shots.
That’s why being on Gordon makes sense. He’s not just the guy who can land more shots. He’s the guy who can mentally and physically wear Garcia out. Eventually, Gordon’s pressure will pay dividends, and Garcia will be forced to absorb too much. With Gordon’s persistence and ability to keep marching forward, this feels like the kind of fight where he doesn’t just win rounds. It could be one where the judges won’t be needed.