A grappling fight between G. Garcia (right) and C. Jones (left) was confirmed to take place on March 28th. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
After confirming a fight under special rules, the confrontation between Gabi Garcia and Craig Jones did not happen, as predicted. Challenged to a grappling duel, the Brazilian accepted the proposal and made the show official for last Sunday (28), in Los Angeles (USA). On social media, the combatant justified the reason for the postponement.
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“Amazing how Craig Jones can be so ridiculous. Yes, we will fight for real on a platform that can be broadcast to everyone. He's making a clown of himself and I'm just waiting for the moment to be able to fight for real”, wrote the Brazilian, who published a video beating Jones in an arm wrestling match, in which she beat the Australian with extreme ease.
Still on Sunday, Gabi stated that the intergender duel would not take place on the scheduled date because they could not find a platform that could broadcast the fight with the expected quality. According to the Brazilian, the fight generated greater engagement than expected and, consequently, opened doors for exhibition proposals.
After the publication, Garcia's followers were divided. While some supported and showed excitement for the confrontation, others preferred to criticize the postponement.
“Apparently, this fight will never happen,” wrote one internet user, which was promptly responded to by the jiu-jitsu legend.
“It (the fight) was sold. That's why it didn't happen today. It was more popular than we imagined”, replied Gabi.
Another internet user did not hide his anger at the situation. In this case, the follower complained about the postponement directly.
“Lack of respect for the public”, wrote the fan, who also did not go unanswered.
“Lack of respect would mean not giving any satisfaction. We entered the live (live broadcast) to explain why the fight won't happen today. We couldn't broadcast it to thousands of people. It will happen”, replied Garcia.
In one of the responses, the Brazilian admitted that she will earn good money to face Craig. Talking to a fan, visibly uncomfortable, the fighter 'brushed on' the numbers.
“Why don’t they put a man the size of her arm? This is marketing. Ridiculous', wrote the follower, which was promptly rebutted.
“You would do the same for three figures. It was supposed to be today, but it had a huge impact and it will be a real show. I doubt that for '000.000' (amount received in three digits) you wouldn't fight him. This is why jiu-jitsu doesn't make money. Fight and do marketing”, concluded the athlete.
After the postponement, there is still no official date for the meeting between Garcia and Jones. According to the fighters, there are two possibilities; one, for two months from now and another for the end of the year.
The clash between Gabi and Craig will take place under special rules. Certain blows will be prohibited and the fight will not count down. The fight will end when one of the two is finished.
History of fighters
At 35 years old, Gabi Garcia has nine world titles and four 'ADCC' titles, the biggest grappling event in the world. The Brazilian debuted in MMA in 2015 and has an undefeated record with six victories, all by knockout or submission.
Despite never having achieved significant results in major jiu-jitsu competitions, Craig Jones is known for his submissions attacking his opponents' legs. At 29 years old, the Australian is known for his participation in the main grappling tournaments.
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