Ryan Garcia was underestimated by everyone because of his antics leading up to the fight against Devin Haney. However, the California native shocked the world with an extraordinary performance against ‘The Dream’. The boxing bout had the combat sports world under its grip. Many UFC fighters reacted to the fight and a name that stood out was UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley.
Although Garcia could not claim the championship as he missed weight, Haney lost the WBC super lightweight title and recorded the first loss of his career.
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The highly anticipated fight lasted 12 rounds and saw Haney getting knocked down three times. Garcia’s left hooks were menacing and Haney could not respond with his might. The official scores from the judges read 112-112, 114-110, and 115-109 in favor of Garcia.
O’Malley took to his Instagram to mock Garcia after his big win. For context, O’Malley and Garcia had a back-and-forth against each other not too long ago.
Sean O’Malley mocks Ryan Garcia’s stance against Devin Haney
In late February 2024, Garcia called out Sean O’Malley on The MMA Hour. Garcia said, “Bring that motherf***er [O’Malley] on. I’ll beat his a*s in MMA, guaranteed… I’m a natural, you don’t understand. I’m a natural wrestler. I just beat my security that’s a wrestler. I beat him. I’m strong and I got crazy conditioning.”
During a UFC 299 media event, O’Malley responded to Garcia and claimed that the boxer was on drugs. The UFC fighter also shot down the potential MMA fight claiming that he would be up for it if it happened but it is not possible.
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Soon after Garcia’s win over Haney, O’Malley released a skit on social media. He mocked Garcia’s stance during the fight. O’Malley explained that Garcia would bring his backside in front to defend himself after striking with his left hook. He called the technique “interesting.” The hilarious skit has gone viral in no time. Garcia, however, has not had the time to react to it yet.
UFC fighters react to Ryan Garcia’s dominating victory over Devin Haney
Several UFC fighters were on queue as they reacted to Garcia’s performance against Haney. UFC welterweight fighter Matt Brown reacted during the fight. He wrote, “Holy sh*t this has turned in to a crazy fight.”
Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling was happy with the decision. He wrote, “I’m glad Garcia didn’t get a BS draw decision. He clearly was winning those later rounds, plus the KDs. That would’ve been criminal but it’s nice to see the proper decisions get made”
I’m glad Garcia didn’t get a BS draw decision. He clearly was winning those later rounds, plus the KDs. That would’ve been criminal but it’s nice to see the proper decisions get made
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 21, 2024
Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal and bantamweight fighter Chito Vera were not impressed with the referee. Many thought the ref favored Haney as he allegedly kept letting Haney get more time and space away from Garcia. Masvidal wrote, “This Ref must have a bet in.” Meanwhile, Vera wrote, “This ref suck d*ck.”
Lightweight fighter Terrance McKinney regularly posted on X throughout the fight. He was extremely impressed with Garcia’s performance. He wrote, “F*ck yah boxing got it rt king ry what a performance.” He was also impressed with Haney’s resilience. “Also respect to Haney dude has a chin I don’t know how he got up from that last knock down,” he added.
Shoutout Ryan Garcia sick fight 👊🏼@RyanGarcia
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) April 21, 2024
Former UFC fighter Nate Diaz also took to X to congratulate Garcia. He wrote, “Shoutout Ryan Garcia sick fight.”
Garcia was 23-0 before he faced his first defeat against Gervonta Davis. Many had counted him out after the loss but he proved his extraordinary skills and mentality by defeating Haney and inflicting his first loss in 32 fights.
What is next for Ryan Garcia?
There are a plethora of options for Garcia after picking up the victory against Haney. He is one of the first boxers who has expressed a desire to enter the Octagon. He even claimed that he texted UFC CEO Dana White about it. With Garcia becoming one of the biggest names in boxing, he might be able to bring a lot of fans to the Octagon with himself.
Much respect to @RyanGarcia I’m keeping my word and giving u your respect now keep your word and let’s make it happen my guy beautiful performance 🤝 #ChasingGreatness
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) April 21, 2024
He could also go up against Shakur Stevenson next. The 21-0 boxer, who is the WBC Lightweight Champion, predicted a Haney win. However, he congratulated Garcia on his victory and reminded him about the fight they were supposed to have. Garcia could attempt to defeat another undefeated boxer back-to-back.
Moreover, Garcia and Haney both admitted to wanting a rematch right after their fight at the Barclays Center in New York. That could also be one of Garcia’s options up next. For now, however, Garcia will enjoy his hard-fought win after a torrid couple of months of work on social media and in the gym.