Ryan Garcia has faced online heat after reacting to viral footage of Raja Jackson, the 25-year-old son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, attacking a wrestler during a Knokx Pro Wrestling show.
Garcia reposted Jackson’s actions, which happened on a live Kick stream and displayed horrific violence.
The Raja Jackson Incident
The shocking video showed Jackson slamming Stuart Smith to the mat before unleashing over 20 unanswered punches, leaving ‘Syko Stu’ unconscious and hospitalized.
The clip quickly spread across social media, with Garcia describing it as, “Probably the worst thing I’ve watched in a minute, what was bro thinking, like seriously?”
Amid the outrage, fans commented in a derogatory way about Jackson’s ethnicity, prompting Garcia to try to defuse the situation.
However, as he weighed in, the welterweight star drew criticism of his own.
“I would not make this a race thing; I’m just stating this was wrong. I don’t care how you try to spin it,” said Garcia.
“Streaming culture is getting out of hand. It makes people make irrational decisions because they know people are watching.”
The Public Backlash
The former interim super lightweight champion’s comments have since brought mixed reactions, with some agreeing on the dangers of live-stream culture.
Others accused the 27-year-old of deflecting from the disturbing violence in the ring.
It’s not the first time Garcia has faced questions over his racial views. In 2024, Garcia defended himself after being accused during the midst of a mental crisis and substance abuse.
The WBC considered expelling Garcia at the time, to which he responded, “WBC, so many other people have said racist remarks, and you never expelled [them].
“Am I expelled for life? It’s okay; don’t try to work with me ever again, even after I get clean and sober. The problem is Devin [Haney] has said racist things, and so has Tim Bradley, and nada, you do nothing.”
It seems even when Garcia mentions nothing of race in comments, his previous incidents follow him around and probably won’t be the last time.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.