Noche UFC 3 – Rafa García vs Jared Gordon: Pressure grappler vs high-volume boxer. Can García’s clinch rides and mat returns smother Gordon’s rhythm and pocket counters?
Matchup Lightweight (155 lb)
Tale of the Tape
Age: 31
Height: 5’7" (170 cm)
Reach: 70" (178 cm)
Stance: Orthodox
Camp: UFC Gym Costa Mesa
Base: Boxing / pressure wrestling
Country: 🇲🇽Mexico
Age
Height
Reach
Stance
Camp
Base
Country
Age: 37
Height: 5’9" (175 cm)
Reach: 68" (173 cm)
Stance: Orthodox
Camp: Kill Cliff FC
Base: Volume boxing / scrambler
Country:
United States🇺🇸
Recent Form Last 5 fights
Rafa García
- W vs Vinc Pichel — DEC (UD), UFC Mexico City (Mar 29, 2025)
- L vs Grant Dawson — TKO (1:42 R2), UFC Vegas 98 (Oct 12, 2024)
- W vs Clay Guida — DEC (UD), UFC on ESPN 44 (Apr 15, 2023)
- W vs Maheshate — DEC (UD), UFC Vegas 66 (Dec 17, 2022)
- L vs Drakkar Klose — DEC (UD), UFC 277 (Jul 30, 2022)
Jared Gordon
- W vs Thiago Moisés — KO (3:37 R1), UFC Vegas 106 (May 17, 2025)
- L vs Nasrat Haqparast — DEC (SD), UFC on ABC 6 (Jun 22, 2024)
- W vs Mark Madsen — KO (4:42 R1), UFC 295 (Nov 11, 2023)
- NC vs Bobby Green — Accidental clash of heads, UFC Vegas 71 (Apr 22, 2023)
- L vs Paddy Pimblett — DEC (UD), UFC 282 (Dec 10, 2022)
Styles, Strengths & Weaknesses
Rafa García
- Strengths: Heavy clinch pressure; chain doubles to mat returns; cardio for grindy third rounds.
- Weaknesses: Striking volume can lag when chasing singles; hurt by sharp counters during level changes.
- Game Plan: Back Gordon to fence; body-lock to trips; ride time from half guard to sap boxing output.
Jared Gordon
- Strengths: Clean 1–2s and lead hooks; high pace; solid first-layer TDD and quick stand-ups.
- Weaknesses: Susceptible if corralled to fence; can be grounded when entries are timed.
- Game Plan: Jab-first; pivot off the cage; punish level changes with uppercut/right hand counters.
Win Conditions
García
- Early clinch cycles to bank control time and blunt pace.
- Kick the legs on entries to slow pivots.
- Prioritize mat returns over risky back takes.
Gordon
- Jab feints into right-hand counters as García level changes.
- Circle off fence; underhooks + head position to break clinch.
- Target body early to tax grind-heavy approach.
Prediction
Pick: Jared Gordon by Decision (29-28)
Confidence: ~57% — edge in strike volume and cleaner counters; live dog factor if García establishes extended top control.
FAQ
ESPN: How to watch (Prelims 3pm ET / Main 6pm ET)