Gabi Garcia

Early Life and Athletic Background

Gabrielle Garcia, widely recognized as Gabi Garcia, was born on November 17, 1985, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. From a young age, Garcia demonstrated exceptional athleticism, actively competing in volleyball, team handball, and notably excelling in field hockey at a high competitive level during her teenage years. At age 13, her family's relocation to São Paulo set the stage for her eventual introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Garcia first encountered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through her uncle, an active practitioner of the martial art. Intrigued by the discipline, she began training at a local gym under a coach known as "Johnny." Initially balancing rigorous training with academic responsibilities, Garcia pursued a university degree in advertising. However, as her competitive achievements mounted, she chose to pause her studies in her final year, fully dedicating herself to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Rise Through the Ranks Under Fabio Gurgel

Garcia's competitive trajectory accelerated significantly upon joining the prestigious Alliance Academy under the mentorship of Fábio Gurgel. She quickly emerged as a dominant competitor, capturing major titles at the colored belt levels, including the IBJJF World Championship at brown belt in 2008. Her relentless dedication culminated in receiving her black belt directly from Gurgel on the podium at the IBJJF World Championships.

Dominance and Controversy in Competition

Throughout her black belt career, Garcia established unparalleled dominance in the female heavyweight division, securing multiple prestigious titles, including four ADCC World Championships (2011, 2013, 2017, 2019) and numerous IBJJF World and Pan American Championships. However, her career faced controversy in February 2014 when the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced Garcia had tested positive for performance-enhancing substances during her 2013 campaign. Although the usage was deemed unintentional and resulted in no suspension, Garcia was stripped of her 2013 IBJJF Pan American and World titles. Undeterred, she continued to compete successfully, further solidifying her legacy.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

Garcia transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA), debuting professionally on December 31, 2015, in Japan under the RIZIN promotion. She trained extensively in the United States, refining her striking under Rafael Cordeiro, sharpening her jiu-jitsu with Rubens Charles, and developing wrestling skills alongside Jacob Harman. Garcia maintained an undefeated MMA record (6–0, 1 NC) during her tenure with RIZIN, showcasing adaptability and dominance across combat sports.

Advocacy and Return to MMA Competition

Following a five-year hiatus from MMA, Garcia announced her return to competition, scheduled to face Barbara Nepomuceno in a rematch at Centurion FC 19 on April 25, 2024, in São Paulo. Her comeback is driven by personal ambition and a commitment to advocating for greater inclusion and opportunities for female heavyweights in combat sports. Garcia publicly emphasizes her dedication to expanding women's divisions, leveraging her platform to promote broader representation and opportunities.

Coaching and Academy Ownership

In January 2020, Garcia expanded her influence within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by opening Alliance Eastvale in California. She personally instructs daily classes, emphasizing goal-setting, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Following her retirement from IBJJF competition in late 2021, Garcia shifted her primary focus toward coaching, seminars, and superfights, continuing to inspire and mentor the next generation of grapplers.

Historic Intergender Superfight with Craig Jones

In August 2024, Garcia participated in a groundbreaking intergender grappling superfight against Craig Jones at the Craig Jones Invitational in Las Vegas. Although the match concluded with Garcia being submitted by Jones, the event garnered significant crowd support and media attention. In an emotional post-match speech, Garcia underscored the importance of legacy and impact, stating, "the medals don't go with me [when I die], but I will be alive in all of you," highlighting her belief in the enduring influence of her career beyond competitive accolades.

Business Ventures and Media Presence

Beyond competition, Garcia actively engages in various business and media ventures. She has appeared on Brazilian variety television shows and fitness media platforms, leveraging her prominence to promote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and strength training for women. Garcia also launched branded training gear and online strength and conditioning programs reflective of her distinctive grappling style. With an active social media presence boasting over one million followers, she regularly shares training insights, motivational messages, and glimpses into her life as an athlete-turned-coach, continually inspiring women to break barriers in combat sports.

Legacy and IBJJF Hall of Fame Induction

Recognized as one of the most decorated female grapplers in history, Garcia was inducted into the IBJJF Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy within the sport. Her career, marked by multiple world titles and groundbreaking achievements, continues to inspire future generations of female athletes. Through coaching, advocacy, and media engagement, Garcia remains a pivotal figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, dedicated to empowering women and expanding opportunities within the martial arts community.