In a recent interview following her impressive victory over UFC star Mackenzie Dern at the Craig Jones Invitational Superfight, Ffion Davies didn’t hold back in addressing the challenges women face in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.
Davies, a seasoned Judoka who has transitioned to the grappling art, spoke candidly about the constant dismissal and disregard she and other female athletes have experienced throughout their careers. “For a long time, I come from a Judo background, and it was heavily male-dominated, with no female coaches and often being told that certain throws weren’t for girls,” she recalled.
The Welsh grappler acknowledged the progress that has been made, with prominent figures like Mackenzie Dern paving the way for a new generation of female Jiu-Jitsu stars. However, Davies emphasized that the fight for equality and fair representation is far from over.
“It just shouldn’t be the case because women are brilliant, and it’s not just Jiu-Jitsu. We need a platform for them,” Davies stated emphatically. She called out the constant “pushing to the back burner” of the women’s division, a sentiment echoed by many in the community.
One of the most pressing issues Davies addressed was the disparity in pay between male and female athletes in the sport. “If you’re going to talk about fair pay, who is suffering the most? It’s the girls, and it’s not deserved. We bring the heat, we have brilliant Jiu-Jitsu, and people love to watch,” she argued.
Davies’ passion and unwavering determination to advocate for her fellow female grapplers was on full display throughout the interview. She expressed frustration with the “incels on the internet” who have tried to silence her, but she refuses to back down.
“I can’t shut the up, unfortunately for my own good, you know. But it’s paid off, and we’ve just made history, and it’s super exciting, and I think it’s going to make a huge change,” Davies declared.
The recent announcement of the women’s division in ADCC now matching the men’s prize purse was a significant step forward, and Davies hopes it will spur more positive changes in the sport. She believes that by continuing to speak up and showcase the incredible talent of women in Jiu-Jitsu, the tide will eventually turn in their favor.
As the Jiu-Jitsu community continues to evolve, Ffion Davies’ powerful voice and unapologetic stance on the issues facing female athletes serve as a rallying cry for progress and equality in the sport she loves.
