Demetrious Johnson revealed that he declined a potential grappling match against Gabi Garcia, citing the massive size difference as the main reason.
He discussed the topic during an episode of his Mighty podcast with guest Craig Jones.
When Jones brought up the possibility, Johnson didn’t hesitate to explain his reasoning:
Dude, she’s too big. This chocolate body cannot be tampered.
I don’t want her smashing me.She almost had you. Even after you took that swig of whiskey, I was like, I don’t want none of those problems.
I don’t want it at all.
At 5’3” and 147 pounds, Johnson admitted that the physical mismatch would be overwhelming against Garcia, who is renowned for her imposing frame in women’s grappling:
I think people don’t realize how small I am. I’m 5’3, 147lbs.
And then when they get next to me, they’re like: “Holy sh*t, you are small.”
And I’m like, yeah, I know. But it’s okay.I pack a punch. A real big punch. You know what I mean?
Despite ruling out the matchup, Johnson made clear his respect for Garcia’s achievements:
I don’t want to fight one of the legends of the game.
I didn’t want to do that.
Pressed on whether the close-contact nature of grappling might have influenced his reluctance, Johnson stuck to his point about size but added that in certain conditions, he could fare better:
I think I’ll probably get her in no gi, you know. I got to wait till she gets tired.
Probably go underneath her, you know, try to go for her feet.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
