Craig Jones has come out on top against Gabi Garcia! The grappling world had been buzzing with electricity with anticipation when it was announced that the CJI (Craig Jones Invitational) would feature a match between the Australian grappling wizard and Garcia, a highly decorated grappler in her own right.
Ahead of the bout, Garcia, a 4-time ADCC gold medalist had shared with MMA Fighting that, “He’s (Jones) revolutionizing the game with this idea, and for me, it’s good marketing. It’s more than fighting a man.” Jones, a two-time silver medalist at ADCC had put on the CJI to go head-to-head against the ADCC in an effort to make a change for the income grapplers get for competing in tournaments.
Craig Jones taps Gabi Garcia#CJI pic.twitter.com/3Z9KSngM4H
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) August 18, 2024
The bout between Garcia and Jones began with the Brazilian trying to attack the Australian’s back but was unsuccessful. However, Jones threw up a barrage of offense as he reversed positions and worked through a series of triangle chokes, foot locks, and armbar attempts in the first round.
In the second round, Jones attempted a rare submission, the Twister, but was unable to secure the position as Garcia slipped away. He then went for a heel hook but Garcia was resilient and pushed through. But the finish came as Jones transitioned to her back and locked in a rear-naked choke forcing Garcia to tap out and leading to the end of the bout. The fight has drawn a massive outpouring of reactions from the fans watching and here’s a look at what the online community had to say.
Fans praise Craig Jones and Gabi Garcia for their mutual “respect” after CJI ‘superfight’ ends in a victory for the Australian
Fans pointed out that the bout was a landmark for jiu-jitsu as a sport as the CJI proved that there is an alternative for grapplers to get compensated fairly for their efforts. The post-fight speech by Garcia was also brought up by the fans where she was emotional as the decision to take part in CJI had cost her a place in the ADCC Hall of Fame.
Beautiful speech by her and W for jujitsu as a whole
— Kari. (@Kariwyd) August 18, 2024
The respect shown by Garcia and Jones towards one another was also lauded by the fans. During the build-up to the event, both had been actively involved in creating a buzz for the bout with multiple social media posts, a pre-fight sit-down face-off and multiple interviews.
Look at that respect at the end
— Likeicare (@LKICRE) August 18, 2024
One fan claimed that the finish was a surprise to them. In fact, Garcia herself had stated in the interview with MMA Fighting that, “He’s saying he’ll secure the submission and let me go. That won’t happen, honey. I’ll smash you. I’ll try my best, and we’ll fight for real.”
how surprising
— WOLFANG
(@WOLFFFMMA) August 18, 2024
Others were stunned that the bout came to fruition as Craig Jones’s pre-fight antics had cast a shadow of doubt over the ‘superfight’. Earlier in the week, during a staredown, Jones made headlines for all the wrong reasons. In a moment that shocked fans and fighters alike, he forcefully kissed Garcia and the Brazilian was seemingly ready to walk away.
Still can’t believe this actually took place
— Greg Gaudiosi (@Gaudiosi_) August 18, 2024
Fans also lauded Jones for his sportsmanship as he didn’t crank any of the leg attacks that he secured as they would have led to horrific damage to Garcia’s knees or more. The Brazilian’s willingness to take on the challenge was also appreciated by the fans.
Craig had opportunities to shred her knees. Great he didn't and went for RNC instead. Was entertaining, Gabbi is a good sport.
— Dante (@Dante57112893) August 18, 2024
In conclusion, as fans continue to buzz about the match, it’s clear that the CJI has set a new standard. Garcia’s sacrifice of a Hall of Fame spot at ADCC for this groundbreaking event and Craig Jones’ innovative approach to the sport have paved the way for a new era in jiu-jitsu. Do you think the CJI will cause a change in the sport for grapplers to get more financially lucrative contracts in the future? Let us know in the comments below!
The post Craig Jones Unusual Show of Respect for Gabi Garcia Earns Combat World’s Approval After CJI Win appeared first on EssentiallySports.
