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Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates more than culture — it honors the grit, passion and dedication that shape communities. For Albuquerque, New Mexico, native Steve “Mean Machine” Garcia, those qualities fuel every punch he throws and every step he takes toward the top of the UFC featherweight division as he climbs, now ranked No. 12th in the world.Family, Faith and GritFor Garcia, pride in his Hispanic roots isn’t just a phrase — it’s his origin story. One that taught him two essential qualities he deems necessary — yet rare — in the octagon."You gotta have a dog in you, " Garcia said, "and you got to be gritty."I like to think it has something to do with my heritage — that Mexican culture, the Hispanic culture. Like, we're just gritty." From the lessons instilled by his father to the support of his family, Garcia channels a relentless work ethic that has driven him since his MMA journey began at 15 years old.“My family is always my motivator. Ultimately, getting to the top — getting that belt — is the goal," he said. "I don’t know if I’ll ever be truly at peace until I get there."That motivation runs deeper now that he's a father to his 5-year-old boy."I have to make sure my son sees someone who works hard," Garcia said. "I can't tell him to follow his dreams if he doesn't see me following mine." That drive has carried him through 18 years of training, grind, and victories in the octagon — and it showed. He was drenched in so much sweat after his workout, it looked like he'd just gone swimming (thankfully, the mic didn't short-circuit).Training at Jackson WinkGarcia’s journey is shaped not just by family but by a gym he's loyal to — Jackson Wink MMA Academy, known for being one of the best fighting gyms in the world, and a culture that celebrates diversity."(Jackson Wink) is a microcosm of the world — all different cultures, all working together to get better," co-owner Greg Jackson said. And Garcia is a puzzle piece that fits right in.“Steve is very proud of his Hispanic heritage. Mexican fighters bring heart (and) fire,” Jackson said. "And that's on display in Steve's fight. He'll come in just fire, trying to win every minute of the fight."The Road to the RankingsAfter nearly two decades of hard work, Garcia is ranked 12th in the world in the featherweight division — a career first. His signature knockout finishes in the cage have earned him recognition, but for him, it’s about more than rankings.“I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder, he said. "I feel like everybody’s kind of counting me out, but I don’t count myself out."Now, at 33, Garcia is preparing for his biggest opportunity yet — a UFC featherweight title match on Nov. 1 at UFC Vegas 110.And while fear can be instinctive in big moments, that's not the case for Garcia."For me, the only thing I truly fear is God," Garcia said, "God says not to fear anything else, so I don't."Do I get nervous? Yeah, a little bit. You know, it's like I have to beat a guy, and that guy could be one of the best fighters in the world."Heavy is The Head ... That Wears the Crown (Belt*)Even the toughest of fighters aren't impervious to what comes with anything worth having — the weight of responsibility. As Jackson calls it, “almost a burden — he’s representing not just himself or this gym in the octagon, but all that (comes with that)."He doesn't want to let anyone down, (but) that keeps that fire in his belly. He has this belief in himself that's balanced out by saying, I'm going to help my family and be there for the people I love," Jackson said. Garcia indeed embraces that.“I appreciate all the support I’ve had, especially from my people here in Albuquerque. We fight tooth and nail for everything we’ve got,” Garcia said. “I promise to give it everything I’ve got every time."He laughs as he adds: "And if you're a bandwagoner, I welcome you."Quiet and composed outside the cage, but once the gloves are on— he's alive and loud.And as fight night approaches, you'll find Garcia at Jackson Wink — still training, still pushing his limits.