Now Jiu Jitsu sparks gender row as male fighter controversially kisses his 6ft 2in female opponent before choking her out in the sport’s first mixed sexes bout
A male Jiu Jitsu fighter has choked out and defeated a female opponent in the sport’s first mixed sexes bout – after controversially kissing her first.
Australian fighter Craig Jones grabbed the face of his 6ft 2in rival Gabi Garcia and kissed her on the lips in the build-up to the fight which shocked viewers.
That caused a confrontation at the face-off when Garcia, from Brazil, could be heard saying: ‘Man. You’re a b***h man. Craig, really? F*** you – you crossed the line, crossed the line, crossed the line.’
She let out a scream in response and could be seen chasing Jones as he fled the scene last Thursday.
Jones later took to social media proclaiming, ‘Brazilians can’t take a joke’, and that the fight was cancelled – before declaring it ‘back on’.
Australian fighter Craig Jones grabbed the face of his 6ft 2in rival Gabi Garcia and kissed her on the lips in the build-up to their intergender Jiu Jitsu fight
Australian fighter Craig Jones choked out and defeated Brazilian female opponent Gabi Garcia in the sport’s first mixed sexes bout
real fight?’, while another wrote: “Still can’t believe this actually took place.’
Yet the fighters shared a moment of respect in the ring – with Garcia seen on her knees bowing her head to the mat as a sign of respect for her opponent.
And she then took to social media offering thanks to Jones following her defeat.
In an Instagram story, Garcia said: ‘I really want to express my grattitude and love for you @craigjonesbjj!
‘This months you worked hard and change the sport! I hope one day people have the chance to know you!
‘U [sic] are an incredible person! Genuine! Funny and one of my best friends now! I’m proud of you! U [sic] made!!
‘Thanks for giving me the opportunity to make one more dream come true!
Moment male MMA fighter forcefully kisses female rival before fight
Craig Jones won the bout against Gabi Garcia by rear naked choke in the second round
Garcia, 38, is actually taller – at 6ft 2in – than her 6ft opponent Jones (pictured) as well as being the heavier of the pair at 107kg to his 93kg, according to reports.
Differences of Sexual Disorder are a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs.
Some people with DSDs are raised as female but have XY sex chromosomes and blood testosterone levels in the male range.
The IOC said its rules of eligibility were based on those of the Tokyo Games in 2021 and could not be changed during a competition.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk and Harry Potter author JK Rowling were among the high-profile figures leading the outcry about Khelif taking part in this summer’s Games at which the Algerian fighter won gold.
Now Khelif has filed a lawsuit to French authorities alleging ‘acts of aggravated cyber harassment’ – and the potential penalties at stake have now been revealed, as well as the prospect of yet more famous names being targeted.