Preview: UFC Fight Night 198 Prelims

Lightweights

NR | Rafa Garcia (11-2, 0-2 UFC) vs. NR | Natan Levy (6-0, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Garcia (-125), Levy (+105)

Garcia has proven to be an entertaining fighter thus far, but he badly needs a win after a disappointing loss. Mexico’s Garcia came to the UFC after a successful career in Combate Global and had a tough ask for his first Octagon assignment, stepping in on late notice against highly regarded prospect Nasrat Haqparast. Garcia looked about as good as possible in a one-sided loss; he pressured constantly, even as he ate damage, and kept the fight well-paced and violent throughout. Chris Gruetzemacher figured to be a solid rebound opponent for Garcia on paper. Instead, he put on a flat performance, quickly getting exhausted from Gruetzemacher’s own pressure and falling behind in an ugly fight. Perhaps Garcia will be in better form against a UFC newcomer in Levy, as he will need to do so to walk away with a win. Israel’s Levy was not the most dominating fighter on the regional scene despite his own undefeated record, but he impressed on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020, stepping in on short notice and earning a contract. That spot saw Levy move up in weight for the late-notice opportunity, and he seems to have rightfully realized that he is better off for it. He looked stronger than usual while beating Shaheen Santana and remains at lightweight for this UFC debut. Levy has some power, but he is at his best as a wrestler and grappler. At featherweight, that approach seemed to tire him out, but he was able to stay in the fight and score a third-round submission against Santana. Garcia brings enough dogged aggression to his fights that there is a chance he can bring back some of those cardio issues and wear out the Israeli, but with Levy having the wrestling advantage early and his counterpart tiring so badly in his last outing, this fight has to learn towards the UFC newcomer on paper. This is a good benchmark bout for both men, but the pick is Levy via decision.

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