Famed boxer Ryan Garcia is setting his sights on a new challenge by expressing interest in stepping into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). While several MMA fighters have tested their skills in the boxing ring, such as Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou, the reverse crossover hasn’t been as common among top-tier boxers – until now.
On April 20, Garcia is scheduled to face Devin Haney in a highly anticipated boxing match where he aims to hand Haney his first defeat. However, Garcia is already looking beyond this bout and targeting UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley for a potential showdown inside the Octagon.
During an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Garcia confidently stated, “I’ll beat his ass in MMA guaranteed. I’m a natural wrestler. I just beat my security who is a wrestler. I have great strength and unmatched conditioning.”
Although O’Malley has hinted at a boxing match with Garcia in the past, the boxer believes that MMA would be a more suitable and challenging platform to showcase his skills. “I know I’m going to knock him out in boxing, that’s not even fair. What is fair is to test myself in MMA,” Garcia emphasized.
Garcia revealed that he has already reached out to UFC officials, including Dana White, expressing his desire to compete in the Octagon against O’Malley. Despite not receiving a definitive response yet, Garcia remains determined and ready for the challenge. “I’ve already sent text messages to Dana. I’ll come to UFC, pay me a bag, I’m there. I’m down to do it after Devin Haney. Dana, hit me back, I’m trying to beat Sean O’Malley’s ass,” Garcia affirmed.