His mother gave birth to him when she was only 17 years old, and doctors had to inject steroids into Garcia's lungs because of a rare illness.
Garcia later attended Plainview High School, where he was a talented football player and had also been involved in martial arts and boxing.
Garcia had been planning to walk-on to the Texas Tech football team, when he was involved in a physical altercation with a recently released felon at a local restaurant.
Returning to action in 2006, Garcia was tabbed as a short notice replacement against high ranking contender Roger Huerta at UFC 69 where he lost a very one-sided unanimous decision.
In his next fight, Leonard knocked out former undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion, Jens Pulver 72 seconds into the first round at WEC 36.
[5] Garcia instead faced former UFC fighter George Roop[6] with the bout ending in a split draw.
[14] Garcia lost to Jung in the second round, falling victim to the first twister submission in UFC history.
Garcia was expected to face The Ultimate Fighter 12 alumni Alex Caceres on August 14, 2011, at UFC on Versus 5.
[24] After being released by the UFC Garcia left Jackson's Submission Fighting and joined Urijah Faber's Team Alpha Male.
On May 11, 2013, Garcia signed a three-fight deal with Legacy Fighting Championship, a promotion based out of Texas.
[25] Garcia faced Rey Trujillo at Legacy FC 21 on July 19, 2013, He snapped his five-fight losing streak winning via KO due to a head kick and punches in the third round.
[28] In his first title defense, Garcia faced undefeated Damon Jackson at Legacy FC 33 on July 18, 2014.
[32] Garcia first appeared in bare knuckle at BKFC 4 USA vs Mexico where he won the lightweight title by defeating Julian Lane by 2nd-round TKO.
Garcia later faced Jim Alers in a bare-knuckle boxing match at BKFC 7 on August 10, 2019, losing by technical knockout in the first round.
After the fight, which was the last of a three bout contract, Garcia retired in front of the Biloxi Civic Center crowd.
In March 2008, Garcia was arrested as part of an alleged cocaine ring, which put his career on hold.