The rumors are true — four-time ADCC Champion Gabi Garcia and 2019 ADCC silver medalist Craig Jones are really going head-to-head in a sub-only grappling match on March 28.
Garcia and Jones have been teasing the matchup with some friendly competitive banter on social media for a few weeks now, but given the tongue-in-cheek nature that is prevalent in many of Jones’ posts (and the fact that no promotion had stepped up to claim the match on an official card), many people have thought that the athletes were just pulling off an ongoing trolling attempt.
However, it looks like this match will really be going forward. Garcia has confirmed the veracity of the match announcement to the Jiu-Jitsu Times, and in an interview with FloGrappling, Jones confirmed that he’ll be flying to California for the match, which will take place inside Garcia’s academy. Jones added that the sub-only match will have no time limit and will be streamed live for free. Jones also added that he would “retire” if Gabi defeats him.
Though hardly the first intergender match to ever take place in jiu-jitsu, this is certainly the most high-profile intergender matchup the BJJ world has seen in recent history. Garcia is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport, and Jones has earned his status as a sub-only superstar over the years.
We’ll keep you updated on this match, but for now, keep an eye out for an exciting round of grappling between two of the best athletes in jiu-jitsu on Sunday, March 28.
