Steve Garcia Upsets Calvin Kattar with Second-Round KO in Featherweight Firefight at UFC 324

On November 1, 2025, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted UFC 324: Garcia vs. Kattar, where Steve “Mean Machine” Garcia pulled off a stunning upset with a second-round KO over Calvin Kattar at 3:15, extending his knockout streak to six. Garcia, the underdog, landed 42 of 68 significant strikes (62% accuracy), culminating in a vicious right hook that dropped Kattar, followed by ground-and-pound for the stoppage. Kattar, the veteran striker, landed 28 of 55 strikes (51%) but couldn’t withstand Garcia’s power, dropping to 23-9. The 18,000-strong crowd, buzzing with Vegas fight-night energy, erupted as Garcia’s aggression shone, chanting “Mean Machine!” in a neon-lit spectacle. Airing live on ESPN+ at 7:00 p.m. ET for the main card, this headliner, part of a card featuring emerging talents like Aiemann Zahabi vs. Cody Gibson, delivered on its promise of a stand-up war, with X posts like @UFC tweeting, “Garcia’s a beast—Kattar caught cold!” This contender bout propelled Garcia into the top-10 while raising questions about Kattar’s future in the stacked 145-pound division.

Fight Overview

The Garcia vs. Kattar main event topped UFC 324’s main card, a 12-fight event with prelims at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and the main card at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and Disney+. Slated for 9:30 p.m. ET, the three-round bout carried implications for the featherweight title picture, with the winner eyeing a shot at champ Ilia Topuria. Garcia, the +150 underdog (BetMGM), entered with a 5-0 KO streak, while Kattar, at -180, aimed to rebound from a 2024 loss to Aljamain Sterling. X hype was intense, with @MMABuzzX tweeting, “Garcia’s bombs vs. Kattar’s boxing—fireworks ahead,” and @CageVibeX predicting a “KO or decision banger.” The T-Mobile Arena’s 18,000 fans, fueled by Vegas’s fight-week festivities like fan expos on the Strip and live music at Fremont Street, created an electric vibe. Fan predictions split 55% for Kattar’s experience and 45% for Garcia’s upset potential, per @SkyBet polls, with the bout billed as a proving ground for Garcia’s rise.

Steve Garcia: The 33-year-old from Albuquerque, New Mexico, entered with a 17-5 record (6-2 UFC), including 11 knockouts. At 6’0” with a 75-inch reach, the southpaw’s 5.1 significant strikes per minute and 56% accuracy (UFC Stats) define his aggressive style. His 2025 KO of Seung Woo Choi showcased his power, averaging 1.2 knockdowns per fight. Trained at Jackson Wink MMA, X clips show Garcia drilling hooks with Cub Swanson. @MMAJunkie notes, “Garcia’s on fire—streak could continue.”

Calvin Kattar: The 37-year-old from Methuen, Massachusetts, carried a 23-8 record (7-6 UFC), with 11 knockouts. At 5’11” with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox boxer’s 4.8 significant strikes per minute and 55% accuracy (UFC Stats) highlight his precision. His 2024 decision over Ricardo Ramos marked his rebound. Training at New England Cartel, X footage shows Kattar sharpening jabs. @BetsMMAX tweets, “Kattar’s -180 odds reflect his boxing edge.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The Vegas crowd roars as Garcia opens with a low kick, pressing Kattar against the cage. Kattar counters with a jab, landing a straight right at 1:00, but Garcia absorbs it, firing back with a left hook. Garcia’s pressure mounts, landing 20 of 32 significant strikes (63%) to Kattar’s 14 of 28 (50%), per UFC Stats. @UFC scores it 10-9 Garcia, tweeting, “Steve’s aggression sets the tone early.”

Round 2: Kattar starts sharper, landing a combination at 0:45, but Garcia counters with a right hook that drops Kattar at 1:50. Kattar rises at 7, but Garcia pounces with ground-and-pound. Kattar survives briefly, but Garcia’s barrage forces referee Jason Herzog to stop it at 3:15. Garcia lands 22 of 36 strikes in the round. @SherdogX confirms the KO, tweeting, “Garcia’s a killer—Vegas goes wild!”

Key Moments and Impact

• Garcia’s Pressure: His 62% striking accuracy and 1:40 clinch time overwhelmed Kattar, landing 42 of 68 significant strikes overall. @MMAVibeX tweeted, “Garcia’s bombs are lethal—Kattar couldn’t handle the heat.”
• Kattar’s Early Combo: His straight right showed skill, but 51% accuracy couldn’t shift momentum. @BetsX365: “Kattar’s technical, but Garcia’s a storm.”
• Second-Round Hook: The right hook and ground-and-pound sealed it, per @FightFanX: “Garcia’s KO was brutal—upset of the night.”
• Fan Reaction: T-Mobile’s 18,000 fans erupted, with X splitting 60% for Garcia (@UFC_FightPass: “Mean Machine rises”) and 40% for Kattar’s grit (@showtimebets67: “Calvin’s a warrior”).

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Garcia called out Brian Ortega, saying, “Top-10 next—let’s go!” His seventh UFC win, including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, catapults him into rankings. His 62% striking accuracy and 1.2 knockdown average highlight his power, though Kattar’s combo tested his chin. @TheAthleticMMA: “Garcia’s a contender now.”

Kattar, gracious in defeat, told ESPN, “Steve was better tonight—I’ll rebuild.” His ninth loss (23-9) raises retirement questions, but X suggests a rebound vs. Edson Barboza. @maniacbetsmma: “Kattar’s still elite—needs matchups.” Featherweight remains stacked, with Ortega and Diego Lopes lurking.

Event Context and Las Vegas Atmosphere

UFC 324 dazzled with Zahabi’s decision over Gibson and a submission by Gillian Robertson. Prelims featured a KO by Bekoev. T-Mobile’s 18,000 fans, amid Strip expos and Fremont Street concerts, created electric vibes. @UFC tweeted, “Vegas brings the chaos!” 65% finish rate and ESPN+ success marked a classic.

What’s Next?

Garcia eyes Ortega at UFC 325; Kattar faces Barboza in January. Garcia’s KO cements his rise, with top-10 dreams next.

Garcia vs. Kattar on November 1, 2025, saw Steve Garcia KO Calvin Kattar in Round 2, his 62% striking accuracy and power securing the upset. T-Mobile’s electric roar and stacked card amplified the stakes. As Garcia hunts rankings and Kattar rebounds, this defines featherweight’s future.