Gabi Garcia to Karate Combat? Why?
Gabi Garcia, a famed Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) grappler, and one of the most dominant competitors in women’s grappling history could possibly be entering the Karate Combat pit.
But why?
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 235 lbs, Gabi Garcia competes primarily in open-weight and heavyweight divisions, earning her the nickname “The General” for her commanding presence.
In a post on Instagram, Karate Combat officials asked, “@gabigarciaofficial says SHES READY TO FIGHT IN THE PIT! Who wants to see this?! 😍”
View this post on Instagram
One user immediately responded, “It is called Karate Combat so why bringing in BJJ specialists when they have their own competitions? She is great in BJJ but I haven’t found any records of her doing karate, just some MMA which shouldn’t legitimize her. She is made for Judo and BJJ, not for karate combat… 🙏”
Garcia is widely regarded as the most successful female BJJ competitor ever, with a record of dominance in black belt tournaments.
Gabi Garcia Key achievements include:
9x IBJJF World Champion (black belt, including multiple open-weight titles)
11x IBJJF Pan-American Champion
8x Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion
4x ADCC World Champion (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 in +60 kg/open class)
Inducted into the IBJJF Hall of Fame
She won her first major adult titles as a brown belt and maintained an unbeaten streak until 2021, when she suffered her first loss by decision to Nathiely de Jesus at Who’s Number One (WNO). In 2014, she tested positive for anabolic steroids and was stripped of her 2013 titles, but she rebounded strongly afterward. As of 2025, she remains active in competitions, recently competing at the CJJ Invitational.
Garcia transitioned to MMA in 2015, signing with Japan’s RIZIN Fighting Federation. Her professional record stands at 6-0 (1 no contest), with all wins by first-round stoppages via strikes or submissions. Notable fights include victories over Lei’d Tapa and Barbara Nepomuceno.
She made a brief foray into shoot boxing in 2017, which ended in a no contest due to illegal kicks.
Garcia’s pro MMA record stands at 6-0 with her last fight in 2018.
