Why Gabi Garcia 'wanted to cry' after getting choked out by Craig Jones at CJI

Gabi Garcia recently faced Craig Jones in a unique intergender grappling match at the Craig Jones Invitational event (CJI) in Las Vegas. Garcia and Jones have been friendly rivals for a while, and the Australian BJJ wizard had long called for a grappling matchup against Garcia.

Their fight began on an entertaining note, with Jones putting on a spectacle for the fans during his entrance. Jones proved too much for Garcia to handle and pretty much dominated his opponent before securing a second-round submission via rear-naked choke. In the aftermath, both BJJ icons showed each other respect and acknowledged the adoring fans who came out to witness the event.

During her post-fight speech, the multiple-time ADCC gold medalist got emotional and revealed she was almost brought to tears by all the love she was being shown. She said:

"I want to cry because I see all this [lookingattendees]. Guys, thank you, everybody for coming here. Thank you, Craig, for what he did for the sport, it’s amazing. The thing for me is you guys because when we die, the medal and the plates don’t go with me, but I will be alive in all of you guys, and I think, never fight for a medal, fight for what you love and what you believe."

Garcia continued:

"For everyone who thought that the show wouldn’t happen and made jokes about us, motherf***ers! I compete in ADCC for 18 years, and today was the day that my brother died and this was for you, brother. For my mum, my dad, my family, and for you guys… Look at this here, this is my other family."

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Craig Jones lauds Gabi Garcia after CJI jiu-jitsu showdown

Craig Jones was full of praise for Gabi Garcia after their highly anticipated jiu-jitsu clash at the CJI event last weekend. While Jones maintained his light-hearted banter and comical antics throughout the event, he put on a spectacular performance against Garcia and shared some kind words for her in the aftermath.

After their fight, Jones cracked a few jokes to celebrate his win before turning his attention to his opponent. Praising her for skipping the ADCC event being held on the same dates, he said:

"Gabi sacrificed her Hall of Fame in the ADCC to do this match. Which I think is kind of crazy. I was going to come here today and announce I was going to take over ADCC. But I think we do a better job." [H/t: Bloody Elbow]

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Here's more about the intergender fight between Craig Jones and Gabi Garcia: