UFC 207's Alex Garcia wants 'TUF' season between native Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

UFC welterweight Alex Garcia may have a few knockouts to his name, but that’s not all he can offer.

Speaking to MMAjunkie Radio ahead of his UFC 207 bout against octagon veteran Mike Pyle on Friday, Garcia explained why he thinks the “power puncher” label is good – but incomplete.

“I like it when people tell me I’m a power puncher,” Garcia said. “But yes, I have changed a lot in my game and I’m now a well-rounded guy. If they want to see me as as power puncher only, good for them, but I’m a complete fighter. I have tools in every area.”

The welterweight scrap will be featured on the FS1-televised preliminary card of UFC 207, which takes place Friday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Garcia looks to bounce back from a loss to Sean Strickland earlier this year, which followed an initial 3-1 UFC stint. Prior to his first octagon setback, a 2014 loss to Neil Magny, Garcia had only lost once in 13 pro fights – with 11 finishes among his wins.

A Tristar Gym product who’s been based in Montreal since the start of his professional career, the 29-year-old fighter spent most of his life in his native Dominican Republic – a root he proudly displays in his “Dominican Nightmare” alias.

With his home turf yet to host the octagon, Garcia has an idea for a way to both expand MMA’s presence in the country and bring attention to its local talent: a season of “The Ultimate Fighter” between fighters from the Dominican Republic and nearby Puerto Rico (which hosted UFC 8 in 1996).

“That would call a lot of attention in the Latin community,” Garcia said. “Because Dominicans and Puerto Ricans have a little thing going. They like each other, but they don’t like each other. This kind of stuff.

“And I think with The Ultimate Fighter between the two countries, it will make them understand there’s people to see the athletes from the Dominican Republica and Puerto Rico as well.”

For more on UFC 207, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM Ch. 93, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.