The X Factor: Being lined up against a name fighter like Blackburn in your UFC debut means someone in the front office has faith in you, but it also means dealing with a mountain of pressure. Just how ready Garcia is to deal with all the stress that comes with cutting it in the UFC will be what defines his hoped-for transition from prospect to contender.
The Bottom Line: A pick ‘em fight turns into a Fight of the Night contender as Garcia’s pressing style forces Blackburn into a back-and-forth throwdown that will eventually favor Garcia and his high-power offense. It won’t be easy, but Garcia turns in an impressive performance and notches a split decision nod over his would-be conqueror. I’d have picked Blackburn if he had a better alliterative nickname than “Bad.”