ABU DHABI // The absence of Gabrielle Garcia from the field has given rise to new hopes for those contesting the women's absolute class at the eighth Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
The nine-time Brazilian world champion who dominated the women’s heavyweight and open categories around the world has left jiu-jitsu to pursue a new challenge in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Garcia, who stands 1.88m tall and weighs over 90 kilogram, is already a hit on the MMA circuit, winning both her fights, against Lei D’Tapa by TKO last December and Anna Mulyikova with a submission arm-bar on Sunday.
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However, before her switch, Garcia’s reign in Abu Dhabi ended in a shock semi-final defeat at the hands of a cheery little American called Mackenzie Dern 12 months ago.
Dern, at 1.60m and under 59kg, stunned the jiu-jitsu world with her victory via penalty point. She is back to defend her title and is the favourite to retain her crown.
“How I won the title was what mattered,” she said. “Gaby was the only absolute champion that they had, unlike in the men’s event.
“Life has definitely changed and everyone has started to see me differently. Of course, people believe in me and everyone was like, ‘she showed what jiu-jitsu is all about and even small people can win against a bigger person’.
“Gaby dominated the absolute class and that could demotivate many. Of course, everyone liked her but they also thought she will not lose.
“Now everyone is so excited to fight in the absolute class.
“So everything has changed and the entire jiu-jitsu community has a different vibe because everyone believe they got an opportunity to win.”
Dern, 23, has remained undefeated since her victory over Garcia although a rematch never took place.
The American is set to follow Garcia into MMA in the near future but has no plans to completely give up jiu-jitsu.
“I will be making my MMA debut on July 22, but for me I’m still not done with jiu-jitsu. I still want to accomplish more on the mat,” she said.
“I’m ready to make the transition as I have a couple of months more. The hardest part is to train jiu-jitsu and balance both. However, I’m enjoying it as it is a new challenge.
“For me, one world title is not enough. I want more. I want to prove I’m the best and that can only happen when I win against different people in different competitions.”
Dern will compete at the IBJJF World Championship in California in June before her debut in MMA.
“Already I have spent the first part of the year on jiu-jitsu,” she said.
“The second part of the year will be on MMA. I don’t know what’s around the corner in 2017.
“I would expect people to respect me a lot when I get into MMA. However, I think when the girls will see my name in the list they will know everything I have done in jiu-jitsu.
“I will have the jiu-jitsu community supporting me in the MMA transition. So I feel I’m not alone. Everyone wants me to do well. MMA is little bit more girlie; I like heals and dresses.
“The MMA community gives that feeling more that girls can do that punching and fighting.”
Speaking on her title defence of the absolute class in Abu Dhabi, Dern thinks anyone can win it in the absence of Garcia.
“I think we are all on even ground now,” she said.
“I think the heavier girls will be the hardest to beat but the title can go to anyone.”
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