As much as the fight could be interesting stylistically, Garcia says, following his win against Onama (14-3 MMA), another contender comes to mind, where a win could further elevate him in the featherweight rankings.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Oct 4, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Josh Emmett (red gloves) before the fight against Youssef Zalal (blue gloves) during UFC 320 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images \/ Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
\u201cI think one fight that makes a lot of sense is probably Josh Emmett,\u201d Garcia said at the post-fight presser. “He has a name on him. He definitely has a higher ranking than I do, and I think he\u2019s available, so why not? Let\u2019s try to set something up the beginning of next year. I think that would be a fun fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emmett (19-6 MMA) has lost four of last five fights, but Garcia suggests that Emmett is one of those potential wins that could make him a long-term title challenger in a crowded division.<\/p>\n
“The only reason why I say Emmett is because he\u2019s got name recognition, he\u2019s obviously further down the rankings than me so in my head, I want my opportunities,” Garcia added. “I just fought someone behind me. I felt like I just gave someone a moment. What does that do for me? I\u2019ll probably get back to [ranked No. 11]. I\u2019m not sure.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: UFC Fight Night free live stream results & highlights – Steve Garcia vs. David Onama<\/a><\/p>\n Another possible challenger is Youssef Zalal (18-5-1 MMA), who has shared history with Emmett. Zalal has won eight in a row, but Garcia says the casual audience can relate to Emmett and suggests the entertainment value is significantly higher.<\/p>\n \u201cI think to the fans it\u2019s more exciting to fight an Emmett,\u201d Garcia said. \u201cLet\u2019s have headliners again. Let\u2019s go Emmett vs. Garcia instead of [Garcia] vs. Zalal. I think I might be able to sell a little bit more with Emmett than I do against Zalal.”<\/p>\n Oct 4, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Youssef Zalal (blue gloves) before the fight against Josh Emmett (red gloves) during UFC 320 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images \/ Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n All in all, Garcia said his goal is to “elevate” his career, adding that fighting and beating Emmett would accomplish that feat.<\/p>\n “But at the end of the day, this is how I support my family. It\u2019s how I make my money. Onama was just on the list,” Garcia said.<\/p>\n Garcia has not lost since June 2022.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0UFC star suffered devastating injury during viral UFC 321 knockout<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Ex-UFC champion calls for massive change to post-fight bonuses in Paramount era<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0UFC reportedly parts ways with two fighters after disappointing UFC 321 performances<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Jon Jones brutally trolls UFC star Tom Aspinall during DBX 4 weigh-ins<\/a><\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.<\/p>\n Follow MMAKnockout on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n