Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling specialist Gabi Garcia today told Erik Englehart of the Brazilian magazine Tatame that after this summer's World Cup, she is considering making the move to MMA. She has been in talks with Pink Fights owner Wallid Ismail. I've known about Gabi for several years but she's a big girl. When she fights in tournaments, it's usually in 69kg or over open weight. Gabi is 6'2" and weighs 236lbs. They do have Open Weight divisions in Japan and I guess they could do that in Brazil. But I don't know where Ismail could possibly find an opponent. Even Cris Cyborg or Amanda Lucas don't measure up to Gabi's size. The only fighter I know of who is a good size matchup is Lana Stefanac and she retired several years ago because there were no opponents for her. I remember back in 2006, pro wrestler Kia Stevens, now known as Kharma in the WWE, wanted to try MMA while she was living in Japan. Kia weighs about 270lbs. They couldn't find anyone and they wound up getting a female sumo wrestler who had zero MMA experience. Kia won in the first round. So for Gabi Garcia to say she wants to do MMA is one thing. The big problem will be finding opponents for her. That's why I have never thought she would be able to compete in MMA. So unless Ismail has something up his sleeve, I don't see this happening.
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