Gabi Garcia is set to face Craig Jones in the first-ever intergender grappling match, at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) in Las Vegas.
Garcia is very excited about the match, praising Jones for revolutionizing the sport with this concept.
Here’s what she had to say in an interview for MMA Fighting:
He’s revolutionizing the game with this idea.
For me, it’s more than fighting a man. This is entertainment. People want to watch that.
Even though she has a great friendship with Jones, she promises not to go easy on him:
I’ve trained with Craig a few times, and he hasn’t submitted me.
I’m lighter now, but I’m strong.I’m going there to beat you [Craig] and shock the world.
The match will be contested over three five-minute rounds, a format Garcia feels favors Jones.
However, she is ready for whatever comes her way:
I don’t think I’ll submit him because he’s really good, but don’t expect me to go easy on him.
Garcia had to opt out of ADCC in order to compete at CJI, even though she plans on competing at ADCC again in the future nevertheless:
It wasn’t an easy decision because this is the first time the ADCC has an absolute division for women, which was a dream of mine…
That and the Hall of Fame, which they took from me, but I never fought for medals in my career.I was always judged throughout my career, I was always the circus clown.
The ADCC will be there, I want to fight the absolute champion one day, but we’ll see what happens.
View this post on Instagram
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.


