The Punisher

WESLACO — Fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship may want to remember the name Petey "The Punisher" Garcia of Weslaco in the future.

Garcia, a nine year old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter who is currently training at the McAllen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, has made quite a name of himself around the valley. He is the youngest black belt in the valley in karate, a two-time state champion, undefeated in the state of Texas, and was on an NBC documentary featuring Jiu-Jitsu.

"I have been in karate since I was three years old and achieved my black belt in  karate at the age of seven at the Universal Martial Arts Academy in Weslaco," said Garcia. "Then, I went to a tournament 2 ½ years ago in Elsa called the South Texas Showdown and that is where I made the transition to Jiu-Jitsu."

"At the beginning, it was pretty complicated and it took me a while to get into the groove. After six months of training, I got it down and decided to compete in that style."

Garcia talks about how he got the nickname "The Punisher."

"My dad actually gave me that nickname after a year of training," said Garcia. "He called me that because I was punishing the kids I trained and sparred with."

Garcia has placed first in four major events that range from the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Houston to the Carlson Gracie open in Austin with all of his wins coming by submission.

But, Garcia's biggest claim to fame was competing in the Hoyce Gracie Worlds competition in California and placed sixth in the world. During his trip to California, Garcia got an opportunity to have dinner with Gracie.

"I was super surprised to have an opportunity to meet Hoyce Gracie and even have dinner with him," said Garcia.

Garcia plans to continue with Jiu-Jitsu and hopes that one day it will pay off.

"I would love to have an opportunity to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship someday," said Garcia. "In fact, I kind of compare myself to Matt Hughes who is currently fighting there. He is a farm boy and comes from a small town, kind of like I do. I envy him and hope one day I can become a superstar like he has."