Let’s preface this discussion at the origin – MMA press caught a lot of flack for comparing Ngannou and Sokoudjou – who share very little besides their skin color and country of origin.
Still other bjj media took this ball and ran with it opting to call Gabi Garcia and Tayane Porfirio comparisons lazy and well misguided more or less.
But how unreasonable is to compare two literal giants who meet women half their size – quite literally again in absolute finals.
At the risk of sounding size-ist who can match a 130kg of black belt skill? When we look at the men- this would track well above Gordon Ryan, Erberth Santos and even occasionally Buchecha!
Both Porfirio and Gabi come from Alliance and even though their games are vastly different they are unequivocally the Goliaths of the situation. One can argue that the biggest legacy of Garcia’s career is catapulting Mackenzie Dern if anything – because after all this is jiu jitsu and we’re more interested in finding the next David than Goliath.
So is it any surprise that most bjj media reports very little when it comes to Porfirio? She’s consistently the best – the best because she has skill but also undoubtedly because the competition in that weight range is practically non existent.
Sport is supposed to promote a certain lifestyle and discipline and womens absolute division is proving that if anything that’s the worst thing you can do.
This is what led the UAEJJF to institute weight limits – the men’s ultra-heavyweight division to 110kg (242.5lbs) and the womens limit down to a 90kg (198.4lbs).
Valério went on to explain how the federation has been working directly with the Olympic committee and institutions linked with the prestigious sporting organization, as well as with WADA. We should expect to see more rulings to come out for 2017, some of which will affect the way the athletes cut weight before the official weigh-ins.
“Every athlete should have the right to take part in our sport in a healthy and safe environment.”
Here’s a size by size comparison of Porfirio and Bia Mesquita.
Porfirio is barely taller than the 64kg heavy Mesquita. So is it irrational and or lazy to attribute her success to her desire to remain of certain stature?
Back when the UAEJJF instituted the limit Porfirio briefly made attempts to lose weight – attempts she quickly abandoned.
Porfirio reportedly lost about 20 kilograms in 2 months last November.
Yet we still don’t see her nearing the UAEJJF limit which is not to be toyed with either. at 90kg that’s a good third heavier than the typical female athlete.
So is it fair to compare Gabi Garcia and Tayane Porfirio as we wait for the next Mackenzie Dern moment? Certainly so. It doesn’t make for a pretty picture but it’s nonetheless the reality. If Porfirio wanted to get to 90 she certainly could, and probably should health wise – which makes the comparison natural if anything. After all she herself has said the comparisons don’t bother her:
Tayane Porfirio considers comparison with Gabi Garcia wonderful:
I think it’s wonderful! When I began training jiu-jitsu the only person I looked up to was Gabi. Sincerely, I am so proud when they say I’m the next Gabi, I hope to conquer even half of the titles she’s won!
