Gabi Garcia delivered an emotional and inspiring speech following her submission loss to Craig Jones in their highly anticipated intergender super fight.
The match, which ended with 21 seconds left in the second round, saw Jones emerge victorious as the world’s first jiu-jitsu intergender champion. Despite the loss, Garcia’s post-fight speech captured the hearts of fans and exemplified the spirit of the sport.
Fighting back tears, Garcia addressed the crowd: “I’m crying because I see all this..” She went on to emphasize the importance of the event beyond personal glory, stating, “I never fight for medals. I fought for a bigger sport. It can be bigger than ever.”
Garcia’s words resonated with the audience as she spoke about self-respect and her commitment to the sport. “I don’t want to look for nothing and fight like everyone who likes showdowns that happen and make jokes,” she said, highlighting her serious approach to competition.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend also took a moment to thank her supporters, including her family and the fans who have followed her 18-year career. Her passion was evident as she declared, “This is my Hall of fame.”
Garcia was to receive Hall of fame placement at the ADCC this year but she appears to be dis-invited from the Hall of fame in light of her participation in CJI.
Craig Jones, in his post-fight interview, praised Garcia’s sacrifice and hinted at a potential rematch with “all events allowed,” suggesting an even more intense future encounter between the two grapplers.
The super fight and Garcia’s speech showcased the beauty of jiu-jitsu, emphasizing the community, self-respect, and dedication that the sport fosters. As the event came to a close, it was clear that both athletes had contributed to a memorable moment in combat sports history, with Garcia’s words leaving a lasting impact on all who witnessed her heartfelt address.
