The upcoming intergender grappling match between Craig Jones and Gabi Garcia is creating quite a buzz, especially after a recent controversial incident. The bout, scheduled for this weekend at the Craig Jones Invitational in Las Vegas, is already making headlines, and not just for the action expected on the mat.
Craig Jones, the renowned Australian jiu-jitsu practitioner, is set to face Gabi Garcia, a formidable Brazilian grappler with a stellar record. Garcia, who stands at 6 feet 2 inches, is a four-time ADCC Submission Fighting World Champion and a six-time IBJJF World Champion. Her experience and accolades make her a top-tier competitor in the grappling world.
Garcia has long expressed interest in competing against male grapplers, but financial disagreements had previously prevented such matchups from materializing. With Jones’ tournament offering a substantial prize pool—$1 million for the winners—Garcia finally had the opportunity she had been waiting for.
The match between Garcia and Jones will take place over three five-minute rounds. A winner will be declared if either fighter secures a submission during the fight. If neither competitor manages to submit the other within the allotted time, the result will be decided by judges. This format ensures that fans can expect a high-stakes, action-packed encounter.
Craig Jones Kisses Gabi Garcia Ahead of Grappling Bout
Tensions rose dramatically on Thursday during the weigh-in event. Both fighters faced off for a staredown, which quickly escalated into an unexpected and controversial moment. Jones, in a provocative move, grabbed Garcia’s face and kissed her before quickly retreating. This action, intended as a psychological tactic, sparked immediate backlash.
Garcia, visibly upset, attempted to chase Jones but was unable to catch him. She expressed her frustration in both Portuguese and English, stating, “You’re a bh, man. Really? F you, you crossed the line.” This outburst highlighted the intensity and personal stakes involved in their bout.
In response to the incident, Jones posted a video of the confrontation on Instagram and initially claimed that the fight was canceled, saying, “Fight’s cancelled. I guess Brazilians can’t take a joke.” However, he later reversed his decision with a follow-up post, clarifying that the fight would proceed as planned.
The controversy surrounding this match comes at a time when gender issues in sports are under scrutiny. Recently, female boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting faced disqualification from last year’s World Championships due to gender-specific tests revealing elevated testosterone levels and XY chromosomes. Despite this, both athletes competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and won gold medals, a situation that sparked significant debate about gender and competition.
Garcia on Jones
Back to the grappling world, despite the recent drama, Jones and Garcia maintain a complex relationship. Garcia has acknowledged the mutual respect they share, but she remains fiercely competitive. She told MMA Fighting, “I’ve told him already, ‘Craig, I have no responsibilities here. I’m going there to beat you and shock the world.’ But reality is, men are stronger.”
Garcia is realistic about the challenge ahead. She admitted, “The truth is, I don’t think I’ll submit him because he’s really good, but don’t expect me to go easy on him.” Her frustration with Jones, who she says has been taunting her for a long time, is evident. “He calls me all the time, he posts about me all the time. Give me a break, Craig!” Garcia laughed. She added, “If I get to a good position, I’ll control the match instead of exposing myself [to a submission] for nothing.”
What did you make of Craig Jones kissing Gabi Garcia? Let us know in the comments!
