In the fast-paced world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where adrenaline and aggression reign supreme, drama often takes center stage. But sometimes, the controversy happens outside the cage, and that’s precisely what unfolded in the lead-up to the highly anticipated showdown between Australian grappler Craig Jones and Brazilian MMA superstar Gabi Garcia.
Jones is set to face Gabi Garcia this weekend. Credit: Chris Unger / Getty
Craig Jones, a 33-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, has carved out an impressive career in the world of combat sports. With 55 wins under his belt, he’s established himself as one of the top fighters in the industry, known for his technical prowess and submission skills. His upcoming opponent, Gabi Garcia, is equally formidable, boasting an impressive record of 71 wins in her MMA career. The two were set to face off in an intergender Jiu-Jitsu match at the ‘Craig Jones Invitational’ in Las Vegas, an event that had already generated significant buzz among fans and pundits alike.
As the anticipation for the fight reached a fever pitch, a video of the pre-fight face-off between Jones and Garcia quickly went viral. To the shock and horror of onlookers, Jones, seemingly out of nowhere, grabbed Garcia’s face and planted an unwanted kiss on her lips. The reaction on Garcia’s face was one of pure surprise and discomfort, as she exclaimed, “You’re a bh, man. Really? Craig, really? F you. You crossed the line, crossed the line, crossed the line,” before slapping the camera away.
The incident immediately sparked outrage across social media, with viewers around the world condemning Jones’ actions. Many were quick to label the kiss as sexual harassment, expressing disbelief that such an act could be considered acceptable, even as a promotional stunt. “That’s sexual harassment,” one user on X wrote, while another added, “He truly crossed the line, and I think he should be fined for this behavior.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one commenter stating, “Sexually assaulting someone while knowing you’re on camera is f*ing insane.”
Adding another layer to the controversy, some reports suggested that the kiss might have been staged to promote the fight. Sportskeeda speculated that the incident could have been a publicity stunt designed to draw attention to the match. However, the backlash it generated seemed to indicate that if it was indeed planned, it backfired spectacularly.
Jones has been called out for kissing Garcia during a face-off. Credit: Jun Sato / Getty
Gabi Garcia herself addressed the incident on her social media platforms, and her response was notably complex. Surprisingly, she seemed more upset about the physical pain the kiss caused than the kiss itself. “I’m more mad because he hurt my head than that he tried to kiss me. My head still hurts but look, it’s martial arts, right? Don’t blame the clown,” she reportedly wrote.
Garcia’s response also reflected on her career, likening the situation to a circus, where both she and Jones played the roles of clowns. “If I didn’t want nobody judging me or talking s* about me, or laughing about me, I probably would have stopped a long time ago, like 18 years ago,” she added.
In contrast to Garcia’s measured response, Craig Jones seemed unfazed by the backlash. In a tongue-in-cheek post, he initially claimed that the fight had been canceled because “Brazilians can’t take a joke,” only to later announce that the match was back on. His cavalier attitude towards the situation only fueled the fire, leading many to question whether he truly understood the gravity of his actions.
Craig Jones kisses Gabi Garcia at face-offs and the fight is now cancelled 😳
— Out of Context Human Race (@NoContextHumans) August 17, 2024
Fair or foul?
pic.twitter.com/JieBCZZSke
This incident raises important questions about the role of promotion in combat sports. In a field where hype and drama often drive ticket sales, where is the line between a promotional stunt and an unacceptable act? While some might argue that any publicity is good publicity, the backlash Jones faced suggests otherwise.
The controversy also highlights the broader ethical issues surrounding intergender matches in combat sports. While both fighters are professionals with impressive records, the dynamics of a male vs. female fight bring additional complexities. The unwanted kiss added a layer of disrespect that many feel has no place in any competition, regardless of the genders involved.
Public opinion on the incident is divided. While many condemned Jones’ actions as disrespectful and inappropriate, others viewed it as part of the entertainment aspect of combat sports. This division reflects the ongoing debate about what is acceptable behavior in sports promotion and where the line should be drawn.
As of now, there has been no official word on whether Jones will face any consequences for his actions. However, the backlash could have lasting effects on his reputation and career. In an industry where image is everything, this incident could be a stain that’s hard to remove.
Despite the controversy, the match between Gabi Garcia and Craig Jones is still set to take place. The fight will consist of three five-minute rounds, with a winner declared if either fighter lands a submission inside the distance. If both fighters make it to the end, judges will decide the victor.
The incident between Craig Jones and Gabi Garcia serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respect and boundaries, even in the high-stakes world of combat sports. While promotion and entertainment are key elements of the industry, they should never come at the expense of a fighter’s dignity or personal boundaries. As the MMA community reflects on this controversy, it’s clear that the actions of fighters outside the cage are just as important as their performance within it.
