Ryan Garcia drops, dominates Mario Barrios to win WBC welterweight title, calls out Shakur Stevenson
MMA Fighting
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ryan Garcia claimed the WBC welterweight title with a dominant performance against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. Garcia started strong, dropping Barrios with a powerful right hand just 30 seconds into the fight. He maintained control throughout the 12-round bout, showcasing his speed and variety of punches while repeatedly damaging Barrios. Despite his impressive showing, Garcia expressed frustration at not securing a knockout, attributing it to an injured right hand.
Garcia’s victory marked his first undisputed world title after previously winning an interim WBC lightweight title in 2021. The win was a stark contrast to his lackluster performance against Rolly Romero in May, where he lost a unanimous decision. However, in this fight, Garcia demonstrated significant improvement, particularly highlighting his lesser-known right hand.
Post-fight, Garcia shifted focus to future opponents, calling out WBO and Ring junior welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson, who was ringside. Despite the potential for a rematch with Devin Haney, Garcia dismissed it in favor of challenging Stevenson. This bold move underscores his ambition to establish himself as a great champion and highlights the growing rivalry between two top welterweight contenders.
Garcia’s win not only solidifies his status as a world champion but also sets the stage for an exciting potential showdown with Stevenson. The fight against Barrios was a career-defining moment for Garcia, showcasing his growth as a fighter and his hunger to compete at the highest level of the sport. This development is significant for boxing fans, as it promises more high-stakes matchups in the welterweight division.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/22/2026