WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia has long expressed his admiration for mixed martial arts, but a recent introduction to Brazilian jiu-jitsu gave the boxing star a firsthand look at just how demanding the sport can be.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Garcia reflected on training with several high-level BJJ practitioners, admitting the experience was far more challenging than he expected. After stepping onto the mats himself, he came away with a newfound appreciation for the technical and physical demands of grappling.
Specifically, Garcia noted, “Once it went to the ground, it was like a spider monkey was on my back,” he said. “I didn’t know where it was coming from. And then I was just like, ‘What’s going on?’ And then all of a sudden my arm did an armbar and I had to tap out. And then I was like, ‘All right, let’s keep going again.’ And then it just never got better.”
Garcia was able to laugh about the experience, but his comments reflected a genuine respect for the sport. When Helwani noted that Garcia is one of the few elite boxers who actively follows and appreciates MMA rather than dismissing it, the 147-pound (66.7 kg) champion was quick to agree.
Ryan Garcia currently holds a professional boxing record of 25 wins, 2 losses, and no draws, with 20 victories coming by way of knockout. The former lightweight contender has suffered defeats against Gervonta Davis and Rolando Romero, but remains one of boxing’s biggest names and currently holds the WBC welterweight title.
A freelance journalist with more than seven years of experience covering a wide range of topics, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and well-researched reporting. He studied at the University of Birmingham, where he developed a strong foundation in journalism and communications. Martin is a 10th Planet BJJ brown belt and has been training for approximately 10 years and a keen follower of submission grappling.
