Gabi Garcia reveals why she 'wants to cry' in wake of controversial intergender jiu-jitsu fight - speaking for the first time after a male opponent forcefully kissed her and then choked her out

• e-mail

A female jiu-jitsu fighter revealed why she 'wanted to cry' after being choked out by her male opponent in a controversial mixed-sex Las Vegas showdown.

Gabi Garcia gave an emotional interview after losing in the second round via submission to Craig Jones, a two-time world silver medallist. 

The bout looked as if it might be 'cancelled' after Jones forcefully kissed her on the lips in the build-up last Thursday, with Garcia screaming in response and chasing him away. 

That caused a confrontation at the face-off when Garcia, from Brazil, was heard saying: 'Man. You're a b***h man. Craig, really? F*** you - you crossed the line, crossed the line, crossed the line.' 

However, the contest went ahead on Saturday night, with Australian grappler Jones establishing control and winning to a chorus of boos. 

Female jiu-jitsu fighter Gabi Garcia has revealed why she 'wanted to cry' after bring choked out by Craig Jones in a controversial intergender bout

Australian fighter Jones defeated the Brazilian by submission in the second round in Las Vegas - but she wanted to cry out of gratefulness to the fans and him for organising the contest

Garcia expressed her gratitude and respect for Craig Jones online following her defeat

After that Garcia claimed that she wanted to cry - but not for a negative reason. It turns out she was actually grateful as the crowd chanted her name. 

'I want to cry because I see all this. Guys, thank you everybody for coming here,' she said.

'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. 

'I believe our sport can be bigger than ever and today I win this match because everybody, people can say 'it's a joke' or they don't agree. I call it self-respect because I do what I want and I don't give a f*** about nothing.

'For everyone who thought that the show wouldn't happen and made jokes about us, motherf****rs! I've competed 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.'

Despite Garcia's positivity, the bizarre fight was met with incredulity online. 

One shocked viewer posted: 'Wait, this was a real fight?' while another wrote: 'Still can’t believe this actually took place.' 

Despite the fracas in their build-up to the contest, the two fighters showed each other respect afterwards, with Garcia on her knees bowing her head to the mat as a sign of respect.

In an Instagram story, Garcia said: 'I really want to express my grattitude and love for you @craigjonesbjj!

'This month you worked hard and change the sport! I hope one day people have the chance to know you!

Jones won the bout against 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.

'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!

'I wait one life for this moment and only happened because you! From my heart love and respect!'

Garcia, 38, is actually taller - at 6ft 2in - than her 6ft opponent as well as being the heavier of the pair at 107kg to his 93kg, according to reports.

The clash comes after controversies at the Paris 2024 Olympics over the gold medal-winning participations of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting in the women's boxing. 

Neither of them are transgender women but allegedly had male 'XY chromosomes' which led to their disqualification from 2023 world championships by the IBA.