Craig Jones has successfully defeated one of the most renowned female combat stars on the planet -- after sparking controversy before their big bout.
On Saturday (August 17), Jones held his 'Craig Jones Invitational' challenge at the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The challenge had been answered by 38-year-old Gabi Garcia, won of the most accomplished women in all of combat sports, who boasted an incredible 71 career wins - including six MMA victories - going into the fight.
On the other hand, the 33-year-old Jones was stepping onto the mat with 55 career wins - and it wasn't long before he added yet another, after he successfully put Garcia to sleep with a rear-naked choke.
In front of 16,000 fans, Jones put an end to his tongue-in-cheek rivalry with Garcia thanks to the second round submission.
Following the bout, an emotional Garcia was flooded with chants of "Gabi, Gabi, Gabi" from the crowd, as she said in a post-fight interview: "I want to cry because I see all this [crowd]."
"Thank you Craig for what he did for the sport, it’s amazing," she said. "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, motherf***ers!
"I compete 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."
And Jones also had plenty of respect his his rival following the fight, describing her as a "legend".
Although the intergender fight has been widely praised online for what is has done for the sport of BJJ in terms of eyes and money, the build-up to the fight did stir some controversy when Jones planted a kiss on Garcia during their stare-down.
The MMA fighter was left shocked by the act while Jones ran away laughing.
She then exclaimed: "You’re a b***h, man. Really? Craig, really? F*** you. You crossed the line, crossed the line, crossed the line," before slapping the camera away.
Watch the moment below:Now, Sportskeeda has reported that the kiss could have been staged to help promote the fight -- but that hasn't stopped footage of the moment going viral on social media, leading to many viewers slamming Jones over the act.
"That’s sexual harassment," one user on X wrote, while another chimed in: "He truly crossed the line, and I think he should be fined this behavior."
A third shared: "Sexually assaulted someone while knowing you’re on camera is f***ing insane," while a fourth added: "I really don't know what went through his head thinking this was a good idea."
"Nah WTF there’s no way this is even real the fact that people even think sexual harassment is funny is scary." one more said.
According to Daily Mail, Garcia herself addressed the viral incident on her online platforms, reportedly writing: "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."
