Dominican Lightweight Contender Eyes Zuffa Boxing Breakthrough

Eridson Garcia looks to hand Andres Cortes his first defeat and earn a title shot in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 05.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:28pm

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Lightweight contender Eridson Garcia is set to take on undefeated Andres Cortes in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 05 this Sunday at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Garcia, a 23-1 southpaw counterpuncher, is riding a six-fight win streak and sees this as an opportunity to make a big statement by handing Cortes his first defeat and positioning himself for a 135-pound title shot.

Why it matters

The lightweight division in Zuffa Boxing is highly competitive, and a win over the undefeated Cortes would be a significant accomplishment for Garcia, potentially catapulting him into title contention in the talent-rich 135-pound weight class.

The details

Garcia, who got stuck in Houston during the COVID-19 pandemic and opted to stay there, has a 23-1 record with 14 knockouts. He is coming off a split decision victory over previously undefeated Japanese prospect Taiga Imanaga at a Riyadh Season show in December. Cortes, Garcia's opponent, is also undefeated, setting up an intriguing main event matchup between two rising lightweights.

  • Zuffa Boxing 05 will take place this Sunday, April 6, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
  • Garcia most recently defeated Taiga Imanaga via split decision in December 2025 at a Riyadh Season show.

The players

Eridson Garcia

A 23-1 Dominican lightweight contender with 14 knockouts, Garcia is riding a six-fight win streak and sees this as an opportunity to make a statement by handing Andres Cortes his first defeat.

Andres Cortes

An undefeated lightweight contender who will be facing Garcia in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 05.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited. I feel good. I have a lot of energy. I'm ready to go.”

— Eridson Garcia

What’s next

If Garcia is victorious, he could potentially earn a title shot in the lightweight division of Zuffa Boxing.

The takeaway

This main event matchup between two rising lightweight contenders, Eridson Garcia and Andres Cortes, presents an opportunity for Garcia to make a significant statement and position himself for a title shot in the talent-rich 135-pound Zuffa Boxing division.