Ryan Garcia's Top Potential Fights in UFC, BKFC amid Boxing Suspension
Amid Ryan Garcia's one-year suspension from boxing for testing positive for banned substances from his fight in April against Devin Haney, it sounds like the 25-year-old is open to exploring other combat sports.
Garcia recently told TMZ that he's interested in competing in the UFC or Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship while he's away from boxing.
"I'm ready to fight anyone at this point," he said.
Let's take a look at some of the most intriguing UFC and BKFC matchups for Garcia in the event his wish is granted.
Ryan Garcia's Top UFC Fights
Sean O'Malley
The biggest fight available for Garcia would be a matchup against UFC bantamweight champion "Suga" Sean O'Malley. The 29-year-old is the company's most popular fighter not named Conor McGregor and the face of the new generation.
Garcia named O'Malley as someone he'd be interested in sharing the Octagon with, and fans would welcome a matchup between them based on the entertainment factor alone. Both fighters enjoy trolling their opponents on social media, so they would have a fun buildup before facing each other and putting on a show.
Max Holloway
Another popular name who would be an interesting matchup for Garcia is Max Hollaway. The reigning UFC BMF champion once made the claim of being "the best boxer in the UFC" in the middle of a fight, so why not try to prove that against Garcia?
Holloway is riding a wave of momentum after his spectacular fifth-round knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, so fans would certainly be excited to see him take part in a superfight.
Ilia Topuria
If there's a fighter who can challenge Holloway's claim of being the best boxer in the company, it's UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. After defeating former titleholder Alexander Volkanovski by a devastating second-round knockout in February, it's clear that Topuria would present Garcia with some problems.
Topuria has a boxing-based skillset and a fan-friendly style of fighting. At 27 years old, he's one of the fastest-rising stars in the UFC. A matchup against Garcia would boost his star power even more.
Ryan Garcia's Top BKFC Fights
Eddie Alvarez
Despite being 15 years older than Garcia, Eddie Alvarez still has a taste for hard-hitting fights. The former UFC lightweight champion has always been known for his toughness and his affinity for back-and-forth wars.
Alvarez has stood across from a long list of legendary fighters, including Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje and many others. A fight against Garcia would be a classic "youth vs. experience" matchup, so fans would be excited to see how it would play out.
Luis Palomino
One of the best fighters in BKFC history, Luis Palomino is ranked second on the company's pound-for-pound list. He has held titles at lightweight and welterweight and was the first double champion in the company.
Palomino is coming off the first loss of his career, as he dropped the welterweight title in February. A fight against Garcia would be a marquee matchup that would give Palomino to get his mojo back while making a bigger name for himself.
Kai Stewart
The only featherweight champion BKFC has ever known, Kai Stewart is a rising star who would be an exciting matchup for Garcia. The 24-year-old is undefeated at 5-0 and would relish the chance to test his skills against a top boxer.
Stewart is known for producing fireworks each time he competes, as all three of his title fights earned Fight of the Night honors. He surely will win over some fans if he gets the chance to share the ring with Garcia.