Leonard “Bad Boy” Garcia is a name that resonates with many mixed martial arts (MMA) fans.
Born on July 14, 1979, in Plainview, Texas, Garcia‘s journey from a small-town football player to a renowned fighter is nothing short of inspiring.
In this article, you will learn about Leonard Garcia’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Leonard Garcia’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leonard Garcia |
| Nickname | “Bad Boy” |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1979 |
| Age | 45 years old |
| Birthplace | Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | – |
| Weight Class | Lightweight and Featherweight |
| Reach | 68″ |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | Jackson-Wink MMA |
| Professional Debut | May 1, 1999 |
| First Opponent | Chris Cantrell (won by submission) |
| Birth Sign | Cancer |
| Notable Achievement | Frequently featured in UFC Fight of the Night |
Born to a teenage mother, he faced health issues as an infant that required steroid injections to strengthen his lungs.
Early Career
He quickly made a name for himself on the regional circuit in the Western United States, compiling an impressive 8-1 record in his first nine fights.
Raised by his grandparents on a farm, Garcia developed a strong work ethic from a young age. This early success set the stage for his future in major promotions.
Professional Career
Leonard Garcia’s professional career spans several major MMA organizations, including the UFC, WEC, and Legacy Fighting Championship.
First-round knockout of former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver at WEC 36. WEC Featherweight Championship match against Mike Brown (which he lost).
He became known for his aggressive fighting style and ability to put on exciting performances.
After his UFC stint, Garcia competed in Legacy FC, where he captured the Featherweight Championship.
Wife
Leonard Garcia is married. The marriage appears to be long-standing, as one obituary (not for Leonard Garcia himself) mentions “his wife of 41 years, Lala Trujillo-Garcia”.
Leonard Garcia has 4 children:
- Jaicei.
- Jaidyn.
- Behautti.
- Bliss.
Leonard Garcia’s Net Worth Details
Leonard Garcia’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025.
Contract
Garcia’s contract details have varied throughout his career as he moved between different promotions.
His most recent professional fights were with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he competed until his retirement in 2021.
Career Earnings
| Organization | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| UFC | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| WEC | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Legacy FC | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| BKFC | $30,000 – $50,000 |
Notable Fight
| Result | Opponent | Event | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | Daniel Pineda | LFC 37 | Submission (Kimura) | 1 | 1:54 |
| Loss | Damon Jackson | LFC 33 | Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) | 1 | 1:32 |
| Win | Kevin Aguilar | LFC 26 | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 2:57 |
| Win | Nick Gonzalez | LFC 23 | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 4:43 |
| Win | Rey Trujillo | LFC 21 | KO (Head Kick and Punches) | 3 | 0:24 |
| Loss | Cody McKenzie | UFC 159 | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Max Holloway | UFC 155 | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Matt Grice | UFC on FX 3 | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Nam Phan | UFC 136 | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Chan Sung Jung | UFC Fight Night 24 | Submission (Twister) | 2 | 4:59 |
| Win | Nam Phan | UFC – TUF 12 Finale | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Mark Hominick | WEC 51 | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Chan Sung Jung | WEC 48 | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Draw | George Roop | WEC 47 | Draw (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Manny Gamburyan | WEC 44 | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
Career Records
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 35 |
| Wins | 18 |
| Losses | 13 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No Contests | 3 |
FAQs
When did Leonard Garcia retire from professional MMA?
Leonard Garcia retired from professional MMA in 2014 but continued to compete in bare-knuckle boxing until 2021.
What was Leonard Garcia’s most famous fight?
Garcia’s fight against Chan Sung Jung at WEC 48 is often considered his most famous, earning Fight of the Night honors and being hailed as one of the best fights in MMA history.
Did Leonard Garcia ever win a major championship?
Yes, Garcia won the Legacy FC Featherweight Championship.
What was Leonard Garcia’s fighting style?
Garcia was known for his aggressive, brawling style and his willingness to engage in stand-up battles.
How many Fight of the Night bonuses did Leonard Garcia win?
While the exact number isn’t available, Garcia was known for consistently delivering exciting performances and earned multiple Fight of the Night bonuses throughout his career.
What is Leonard Garcia doing now after retirement?
Specific details about Garcia’s post-retirement activities are not widely publicized, but many retired fighters often transition into coaching or commentary roles.
Did Leonard Garcia ever compete in bare-knuckle boxing?
Yes, Garcia competed in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) after his MMA career.
What weight classes did Leonard Garcia compete in?
Garcia primarily competed in the Featherweight division (145 lbs) but also fought at Lightweight (155 lbs) earlier in his career.
How many submission victories did Leonard Garcia have in his MMA career?
Leonard Garcia had 10 submission victories in his professional MMA career.
Was Leonard Garcia ever in the UFC?
Yes, Leonard Garcia competed in the UFC from 2007 to 2013, with a stint in WEC in between.
