Gabi Garcia is set to return to ADCC in 2026, with the four-time world champion aiming to further cement her legacy by capturing a fifth gold medal.
Already widely regarded as the most accomplished female competitor in ADCC history, Garcia has dominated the division for over a decade.
A fifth title would place her in a category of her own, surpassing every other athlete in her division and moving her even closer to the overall records held by legends like Andre Galvao and Gordon Ryan.
What makes her achievements even more impressive is the structure of the tournament itself.
While male competitors often have additional opportunities to win titles through absolute divisions and superfights, Garcia has built her record primarily within her weight class – making her success all the more remarkable.
Her ADCC journey began back in 2011, when she made an immediate impact by defeating reigning champion Hannette Staack en route to gold in the +60kg division.
She followed that up with another title in 2013, before taking bronze in 2015 after a narrow decision loss.
Garcia quickly returned to the top, securing back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2019.
She added another bronze medal in 2022, after which she stepped away from regular competition, leaving many to wonder whether her ADCC career had come to an end.
Those questions grew louder when Garcia declined an invitation to compete at ADCC 2024.
Instead, she opted to take part in one of the most talked-about matches in grappling history – an intergender bout against Craig Jones at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational.
However, any concerns about her future at ADCC have now been put to rest.
Garcia has officially committed to competing at ADCC 2026, joining what is expected to be one of the most stacked lineups in the tournament’s history.
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