UFC Fight Night 259: Rafa Garcia vs Jared Gordon

At UFC Fight Night 259, also known as Noche UFC 3, held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, lightweight fighters Rafa García and Jared Gordon faced off in a highly anticipated bout. García entered the octagon with a record of 17 wins and 4 losses, while Gordon came in with a record of 21 wins and 7 losses. The fight was scheduled as a three-round lightweight bout.

The first round was closely contested, with both fighters having their moments. Gordon showcased his striking prowess, landing several significant punches, while García utilized his grappling skills to control portions of the round. Despite Gordon’s aggressive approach, García managed to secure a brief takedown, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set.

In the second round, García’s grappling continued to shine. He stunned Gordon with a fierce four-punch combination and floored him with a counter left hand. However, Gordon displayed resilience by quickly recovering and attempting a takedown and submission, showcasing his grappling expertise. Despite Gordon’s efforts, García’s grappling remained the dominant factor in the round.

The third round featured more wild exchanges and power shots from both fighters. García’s left hand continued to be effective, landing clean shots on Gordon. Gordon, not to be outdone, pressed forward with aggressive striking and attempted to close the distance to initiate grappling exchanges. Despite Gordon’s efforts, García’s striking accuracy and control of the octagon were evident throughout the round.

After three rounds of action, the judges awarded the fight to Rafa García by unanimous decision, with scores of 30–27 and 29–28 on two of the judges’ cards. García’s superior grappling and control of the fight earned him the victory, despite the challenges posed by Gordon’s striking.

While García secured the win, the bout highlighted ongoing concerns regarding his weight management and consistency in the octagon. His repeated weight misses and performance struggles have raised questions about his future in the UFC. Despite the victory, García’s long-term prospects remain uncertain, and the fight served as a reminder of the challenges fighters face in maintaining peak physical condition.

For Jared Gordon, the loss marked another setback in his UFC career. Despite his efforts and grappling skills, he was unable to overcome García’s striking dominance. With a UFC record of 3–7, Gordon faces an uphill battle to remain on the promotion’s roster.

In conclusion, the García vs. Gordon fight at UFC Fight Night 259 was a compelling matchup that showcased the contrasting styles of striking and grappling. García’s victory, while significant, was tempered by concerns about his weight management and consistency, leaving his future in the UFC uncertain.