A FEMALE fighter who lost to a man in a controversial inter-gender fight says she “wants to cry”.
Gabi Garcia and Craig Jones, two Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialists, clashed in a bizarre Las Vegas battle at the weekend.
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Their fight looked to be over before it even began when Jones kissed Garcia at the face-off, with the scrap being cancelled.
It was eventually restored as Garcia, who stands at 6ft 3in and weighs nearly 15 stone, decided to proceed.
And the Brazilian went up against her Australian male counterpart in a heated MMA battle on the mat.
However, it was Jones who emerged victorious as he choked Garcia out on Sunday morning.
The two fighters embraced in the aftermath of their historic clash.
But Garcia admitted the battle left her close to tears as the crowd chanted her name in praise of her brilliant effort.
Garcia said afterward: “I want to cry because I see all this. Guys, thank you everybody for coming here.
“Thank you Craig for what he did for the sport. It’s amazing.
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“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.
“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.”
Garcia also thanked Jones in a social media post, adding: “I really want to express my gratitude and love for you.
“These months you worked hard and changed the sport. I hope one day people have the chance to know you.
“You are an incredible person. Genuine, funny and one of my best friends now.
“I’m proud of you. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to make one more dream come true.
“I waited one life for this moment and it happened because of you. From my heart my respect and love.”