At just 16 years old, Merche Garcia has already made a name for herself in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). With two world championships under her belt, the young fighter from Asturias, Spain, has become a force to be reckoned with in the combat sports community. Her recent appearance on David Broncano’s talk show La Revuelta showcased her talent, charisma and undeniable drive to succeed in a sport that is often dominated by experienced adults.
A unique guest at La Revuelta
On this Thursday’s program of La Revuelta, Broncano introduced Merche García with high praise, referring to her as “the most dangerous girl in the world”. This was the first time an underage girl was invited to the program and Broncano did not hesitate to express his admiration for her achievements.
“If there’s one girl who could kill you in the world, it’s this one,” she commented with a mixture of humor and genuine amazement.
The young wrestler had no qualms about embracing the title. When asked if she considered herself the most dangerous girl on the planet, Merche confidently replied, “I’m the one who beats them all.”
Meet Merche Garcia: two-time MMA World Champion
Merche Garcia’s rise in the world of MMA is nothing short of spectacular. At just 16 years old, she has already become a two-time world champion, a feat that has caught the attention of many in the sport. In 2023, at the age of 15, she won her first world title in the “Youth B” category (67 kg) at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This victory made her the first Spanish junior world champion in MMA.
Not content with just one title, Merche returned to the world stage in 2024, this time competing in the “Youth A” category (70.3 kg). She faced 17-year-old Uzbek fighter Rozikova in a grueling final, eventually winning by unanimous decision after just six minutes of intense combat. Her path to the final saw her dominate her opponents with precision, in particular using the mataleon (rear naked rear naked choke) technique to secure victory in earlier rounds.
A champion-minded fighter
Merche Garcia’s success in the cage is not just about physical prowess; it is also about her mindset. She arrived at La Revuelta wearing her medals with pride and spoke with the confidence and determination that every elite athlete possesses. When asked if a large, untrained adult could take her down, she replied with a smile, “No, I’ll take them all down.”
His fierce mentality is matched by his passion for the sport. During the interview, he admitted that while he is still in school, his real focus is on MMA. “I didn’t go to class today, but I forge signatures very well,” he joked. When asked about his financial situation, he candidly shared that he has about €1,200 saved, a respectable amount for someone his age, but not enough to support his future professional ambitions. In this regard, she made a public appeal to sponsors to help both her and her brother, Pepe Garcia, who also competes in MMA, to continue pursuing their dreams.
A family affair
For the Garcia family, MMA is more than just a sport: it’s a way of life. Merche and her brother Pepe train under the guidance of their father, a former mixed martial artist. Together, they form a close-knit team, working tirelessly to hone their skills and make their mark on the world MMA scene. However, not everyone in the family is as enthusiastic about the violent nature of the sport. “My mom gets very nervous,” Merche confessed with a chuckle.
Despite the challenges, the Garcia family remains committed to their craft and, with the guidance of their father, Merche and Pepe continue to improve with each struggle.
The sacrifices of a fighter
MMA is a sport that requires immense dedication and sacrifice, and Merche Garcia is no stranger to either. During her appearance on La Revuelta, she recounted a particularly memorable moment when she had to cut off half a kilo of hair to meet the weigh-in requirements for a fight. “I shaved my head. I looked like the kid from The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: dehydrated and hairless,” he joked. Despite the extreme measure, Merche made weight and won her fight, further demonstrating her commitment to the sport.
A bright future in MMA
Merche Garcia’s accomplishments at such a young age have positioned her as one of MMA’s brightest rising stars. In addition to her two MMA world titles, she also holds European and World Grappling championships, as well as a European bronze medal in Sambo. His impressive record is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it is clear that he has a bright future ahead of him in the sport.
As the popularity of MMA continues to grow worldwide, especially with the rise of promotions like UFC, Merche is determined to prove that the sport extends far beyond its biggest stars. With her relentless drive and unwavering self-confidence, she is poised to become a household name in the world of MMA.
A new generation of fighters
Merche Garcia’s appearance on La Revuelta not only highlighted her personal accomplishments but also showcased the growing prominence of MMA as a sport, particularly for women. With role models such as Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and Spain’s Ilia Topuria paving the way, Merche represents the next generation of fighters who are ready to take the sport to new heights.
As she continues to train, compete and win, Merche Garcia is proving that age is just a number and that, even at 16, she really is “the most dangerous girl in the world”. Keep an eye out for this rising star: her journey is just beginning.