How to Stream Mario Barrios Next Fight Against Garcia?

In the world of professional boxing, some matchups are built on records and rankings, while others are fueled by pure star power and controversy. The next fight between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia falls squarely into the latter category, promising a night of high drama both inside and outside the ring.

On February 21, 2026, WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios will step into the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to defend his title against one of the sport’s most polarizing figures, Ryan Garcia.

The fight headlines “The Ring: High Stakes” card, but for many fans around the world, the biggest challenge won’t be the opponent in the ring—it will be accessing the live broadcast.

With the fight streaming exclusively as a DAZN Pay-Per-View event, geo-restrictions can turn into a technical knockout for viewers in unsupported regions. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the Mario Barrios next fight, the controversy surrounding it, and how you can watch all the action live, no matter where you are.

What is Mario Barrios’ Next Fight For?

This high-stakes bout is for the prestigious WBC Welterweight Championship.

Mario Barrios puts his world title on the line in a fight that could define the next chapter of his career and the landscape of the welterweight division. The event is more than just a title defense; it’s a collision of a reigning champion looking to solidify his reign and a superstar challenger seeking his first major world title amid a storm of public debate.

Who is WBC Champion Mario Barrios?

Mario “El Azteca” Barrios is a proud champion from San Antonio, Texas, known for his resilience and classic boxing style. With a professional record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, including 18 knockouts, he has proven his mettle against tough opposition.

Barrios captured the interim WBC title by defeating Yordenis Ugas in 2023 and was later elevated to full champion.

However, his path has not been without its challenges. His two most recent title defenses ended in draws against Abel Ramos and the legendary Manny Pacquiao, leading some to question his current form. Despite this, his experience in championship rounds and losses only to elite fighters like Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman demonstrate his capability at the highest level.

Why is Ryan Garcia Getting This Title Shot?

Ryan Garcia’s path to this title fight is where the story becomes truly compelling and controversial.

With a record of 24 wins, 2 losses, and 20 knockouts, Garcia possesses undeniable power and speed. He is also one of boxing’s biggest attractions, with a massive social media following that translates into significant viewership and revenue.

However, his journey has been turbulent. In 2024, his victory over Devin Haney was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine, resulting in a one-year suspension. That same year, he was expelled by the WBC for offensive remarks made on social media, a ban that was only lifted in late 2025.

Compounding these issues, he is coming off a loss to Rolly Romero and has never secured a win in the welterweight division. This title shot is widely seen as a result of his immense popularity rather than his recent sporting achievements.

What Makes This Fight So Controversial?

The debate surrounding this fight centers on the principle of merit versus marketability. Many boxing purists argue that Garcia, with a recent record of 1-2 (1 NC) and no victories at 147 pounds, has not earned the right to challenge for a world title. His ability to secure this opportunity despite his suspension and lack of recent success highlights the immense influence of star power in modern boxing.

This creates a fascinating dynamic where both fighters have something to prove. Barrios needs to silence the doubters after two consecutive draws and prove he is a dominant champion, while Garcia must show that he is more than just a social media sensation and can overcome adversity to capture a world title.

How Can You Watch Barrios vs Garcia Live?

The official broadcaster for this event is DAZN, which will air the fight as a Pay-Per-View exclusive.

However, DAZN’s content library is subject to strict geo-restrictions due to international broadcasting rights. This means the fight may not be available in your country, or the PPV price could be significantly higher depending on your location.

The modern sports streaming landscape is fragmented, with major events spread across platforms like DAZN, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. This forces fans to navigate a complex web of subscriptions and restrictions. With single boxing events on Netflix drawing over 100 million global viewers, the demand for accessible, high-quality streams is clear. For fights like Barrios vs. Garcia, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) becomes an essential tool for fans.

Do You Need a VPN to Stream Boxing?

A VPN is a powerful tool that allows you to securely connect to a server in another country, effectively changing your virtual location.

This enables you to bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming services as if you were in that region. For boxing fans, this means you can access the DAZN PPV from a country where it is available and potentially cheaper.

Beyond access, a quality VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your privacy and security from prying eyes. When streaming live sports, speed is critical to avoid buffering and enjoy the fight in high definition. While DAZN actively tries to block VPN traffic, the top-tier providers consistently find ways to stay ahead, ensuring reliable access.

Best VPNs for Streaming Barrios vs. Garcia

When streaming live sports, the most important factor is speed. A fast, reliable VPN ensures a smooth, buffer-free experience. Based on extensive testing for speed, reliability, and DAZN compatibility, here are the top VPNs for watching the fight.

VPN Provider	Key Feature	Speed Retention	DAZN Compatibility	Price (per month)
NordVPN	Best Overall Performance	90%	Excellent	$3.39
Surfshark	Best for Multiple Devices	86%	Very Good	$2.49
ExpressVPN	Best for Reliability	85%	Excellent	$6.67
IPVanish	Strong Security Focus	82%	Good	$3.33
CyberGhost	Best for Beginners	84%	Good	$2.19

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the top recommendation for streaming the Barrios vs. Garcia fight. It consistently delivers the fastest speeds on the market, retaining around 90% of the original connection speed, which is crucial for HD streaming. Its NordLynx protocol is built for performance, and with over 8,900 servers worldwide, it reliably unblocks DAZN in all major regions, including the US, UK, and Canada.

2. Surfshark

For fans who need to connect multiple devices, Surfshark is an excellent choice. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections and boasts impressive speeds, retaining about 86% of the baseline connection. It’s a highly affordable option that doesn’t compromise on the performance needed for live sports.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has built a reputation for reliability and ease of use. It consistently unblocks major streaming platforms, including DAZN, and provides fast, stable connections perfect for a pay-per-view event. While it comes at a premium price, its performance and user-friendly apps justify the cost for those who want a guaranteed seamless experience.

4. IPVanish

IPVanish is another solid option that offers unlimited connections and a strong focus on security. It provides good speeds for streaming and has a reliable network of servers that work with DAZN, making it a great all-around choice for sports fans who also prioritize privacy.

5. CyberGhost

With servers optimized specifically for streaming, CyberGhost is a user-friendly option that is great for beginners. It offers a good balance of speed, security, and affordability, making it a reliable choice for accessing the fight without technical hassle.

How to Set Up a VPN to Watch the Fight?

Getting set up to watch the fight with a VPN is a straightforward process.

1. Choose and Subscribe: Select one of the recommended VPNs, like NordVPN, and sign up for a plan.
2. Install the App: Download and install the VPN application on your preferred device (PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet).
3. Connect to a Server: Open the app and connect to a server in a country where the DAZN PPV is available (e.g., the U.S. or Canada).
4. Access DAZN: Go to the DAZN website or open the app. You should now see the content library for the country you selected.
5. Purchase and Stream: Sign in or create a DAZN account, purchase the Pay-Per-View event, and get ready to enjoy the fight night without interruptions.

Barrios vs Garcia Predictions

This fight presents a classic clash of styles and circumstances.

Barrios, the seasoned champion, will likely rely on his experience, durability, and technical boxing to control the fight. Garcia, the explosive challenger, will be looking to land his signature power shots and prove his star power translates to championship gold.

The key questions revolve around Garcia.

Can he handle the physicality of the welterweight division? Has he overcome the personal and professional turmoil that has plagued him? For Barrios, can he shake off the rust from his recent draws and reassert his dominance? This blend of skill, power, and narrative makes the outcome incredibly unpredictable and the event a must-watch for any boxing fan.