Steve Garcia earns a hard-fought victory in a back-and-forth war against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at UFC 287.
Before the Fight
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke
Making his 50th career walk at UFC 287, Nuerdanbieke has a wealth of in-cage experience. An incredible record of 39-10, and most of his appearances came when the 28-year-old competed in his native China. Since making his UFC debut in 2021, he’s made four appearances.
4-1 in his last five his only loss came in his UFC debut. Of his 39 wins, 29 have come by way of finish. His last outing was an outstanding display. Defeating Derrick Minner in just over a minute with a TKO due to elbows.
Steve Garcia
Looking to put back-to-back wins together in his four-fight UFC career for the first time. Garcia hopes he can build on an impressive performance last time out. 13-5 as a pro, seven of his fights came in Bellator. Since making his 2020 walk to the octagon Garcia has gone 2-2.
In his last five Garcia has gone 3-2. The last time out for Garcia saw the 30-year-old score a devastating stoppage over Chase Hooper. Making a statement last time out, another win would be huge moving forward.
The Fight
Round 1
A fast start ends quickly as Garcia lands low on Nuerdanbieke haulting the action. Straight back to it, Nuerdanbieke lands a huge right hand dropping Garcia flat to the mat. Following his fallen foe to the ground Nuerdanbieke lands more ferocious shots but somehow Steve survives.
Keeping the fight on the mat and still landing blows for the majority, Garcia finds his feet late in the round. When coming forward Garcia lands a huge strike and wobbles Shayilan, who shoots a takedown and survives. The round ends with a Nuerdanbieke head kick.
Round 2
Starting the round like a bat out of hell. Garcia takes the centre and throws bombs. Landing to the head, he has Nuerdanbieke hurt. A perfect liver kick sits the man from China down, as Steve follows up for the finish.
What’s next for Steve Garcia after his performance at UFC 287?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
