Gabi Garcia’s highly anticipated MMA comeback against Barbara Nepomuceno has been called off due to tragic flooding events in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The rematch was scheduled for April 25th in Sao Paulo.
The president of Centurion FC, the promotion hosting the fight, made the difficult decision to cancel the bout out of respect for Garcia’s family being directly impacted by the devastating floods in her home state. An official statement expressed it would not be morally right for Garcia to compete under such difficult personal circumstances.
Garcia, who last fought in MMA in 2018, had been preparing to reignite her cage career after tremendous success in grappling competitions like winning ADCC gold in 2019. Her original opponent Nepomuceno has also been active, picking up kickboxing wins in late 2022 and early 2023.
While disappointed fans must wait for Garcia’s return, Centurion FC is turning the event on May 18th into a relief effort for Rio Grande do Sul flood victims. They are offering free entry to the Ibirapuera Stadium show in exchange for donations of basic necessities.
Garcia expressed her sadness over the postponement but supported the compassionate move, stating “For this great tragedy for both me and my opponent, because if I won I wouldn’t celebrate. And if she won, she wouldn’t be remembered because of the tragedy then.”
The MMA star from Rio Grande do Sul praised the promotion’s initiative to help her state during this difficult time. Garcia’s full focus now is on supporting relief efforts back home.
It’s interesting to note that the bout hasn’t been postponed instead of outright cancelled. Prior to the event many speculated that Garcia was staging a publicity ploy and had no intention to return to MMA.
