A male Jiu Jitsu fighter choked out a female opponent in a mixed gender bout after sparking fury by kissing her on the lips at the weigh-in. Craig Jones submitted Gabi Garcia with a rear naked choke in the second round to claim victory in the sport’s first contest between a man and a woman.
Jones sparked controversy in the days leading up to the fight by grabbing Garcia’s face and kissing her on the lips as they squared off at the weigh-in. Garcia was left enraged by the stunt and slapped Jones before chasing him around the room and launching a verbal tirade in his direction.
“You’re a b***h, man,” fumed Garcia, who stands at six feet and two inches tall. “Craig, really? F**k you. You crossed the line, crossed the line, crossed the line.”
Jones later responded on social media by accusing Garcia of being unable to take a joke and claiming the fight had been called off due to his controversial stunt. He later declared the event was back on and had the last laugh in the ring, securing victory within the opening two rounds.
The Australian fighter was able to maintain control for the duration of the bout, with Garcia struggling to keep him from locking in a submission despite being taller and heavier. Jones’ victory was met with a smattering of boos from the crowd as he released the submission hold and climbed back to his feet.
There was plenty of respect on show in the immediate aftermath of the fight, with Garcia dropping to her knees and bowing her head to the mat. She later took to Instagram to send a message to Jones, thanking him for the opportunity and insisting she was ‘proud’ of him following her defeat.
“I really want to express my gratitude and love for you @craigjonesbjj,” wrote Garcia. “This months you worked hard and change the sport! I hope one day people have the chance to know you! You are an incredible person! Genuine! Funny and one of my best friends now!
“I’m proud of you! You made! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to make one more dream come true! I wait one life for this moment and it only happened because of you. From my heart, my respect and love!”
