Gabi Garcia, a prominent figure in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA, has captured the attention of fans not only for her athletic achievements but also for her inspiring journey of self-acceptance and body positivity. Her story is about more than just weight loss; it's about embracing oneself, challenging societal stereotypes, and finding strength in individuality.
From Jiu-Jitsu to MMA: An Evolving Physique
Garcia's transition from a highly decorated career in jiu-jitsu to the world of MMA brought about adjustments to her physical shape. At 250, 205, or 195 pounds, Garcia has always embraced her body as a tool for success. As she told MMAjunkie, "I am over 6 feet tall - I am big. I never wore a size small, and that was never a problem for me." Her weight has fluctuated, but her confidence and self-love have remained constant.
Challenging Stereotypes and Embracing Individuality
Garcia's journey is a powerful message to girls and women: "You don't have to be the same as everyone else to get places. You need to love yourself." She encourages people to look at themselves and say, "I like me." Garcia has seen too many people suffering because they don't fit into a society-imposed stereotype. She believes that people should embrace their uniqueness and not be defined by societal expectations.
Garcia's message also extends to body image. As she shared, "I've been chubby, I've been very fat, and I loved myself. I will never weigh 135 pounds - and I'll not go home to cry because I'll never weigh 135 pounds. I'm going to apply the 205 pounds that I now need to fight in my favor." She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and using one's physical attributes to their advantage.
Dealing with Trolls and Negativity
Garcia has faced her share of online criticism and negativity. However, she refuses to be fazed by the "trolling." Instead, she believes there's something to be gained from speaking up. "People say, 'Don't answer,' but how many others at home have problems accepting themselves?" she asks. She recognizes that many people struggle with self-acceptance and hopes that by sharing her experiences, she can help others.
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Garcia also draws inspiration from her sister, who underwent gastric bypass surgery for health issues but remained happy with her body. This reinforces Garcia's belief that beauty comes from within and that people should not be judged solely on their external appearance.
The Weight of Expectations and the Power of Fans
Garcia's success has garnered her a large following, with fans who are inspired by her story of overcoming challenges. She acknowledges the weight of expectations that comes with being a role model. "In my head, it's become something that I demand from myself because people expect things from me," Garcia said. "Women, in Japan, are seeing me as this sort of freedom. As hope. In Brazil, as well."
She recognizes that her journey has resonated with many people, particularly women who face societal pressures and discrimination. Garcia's fans have pushed and motivated her, and she feels a responsibility to live up to their expectations.
Overcoming Challenges in MMA
Garcia's transition to MMA was not without its challenges. Her MMA debut was met with a lot of curiosity and expectation. She faced skepticism about her size and whether she could find qualified opponents. Despite these challenges, Garcia persevered and continued to improve her skills.
In her first fight against Lei'd Tapa, Garcia faced adversity but ultimately emerged victorious. "The adrenaline took a lot from me in the first fight," Garcia said. "And, in the second, I already knew a punch to the face wouldn't kill me. Taking that knockdown was very good for me." She learned from her experiences and grew as a fighter.
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Garcia believes that getting knocked down in her MMA debut also showed that, in spite of her size and experience, she is vulnerable. Which, considering the flood of challengers that keep pouring in, is actually a good thing.
Embracing the Learning Process
After moving to California to focus exclusively on her MMA training, Garcia was confronted with the particular difficulties of incorporating wrestling, striking and new levels of physical preparation into her already grueling training regimen. But, having grown so excited about the learning process that even sparring practice has now become her "favorite day of the week," Garcia celebrates her evolution.
Garcia recognizes that she is still learning and growing as an MMA fighter. She embraces the challenges and is excited about the journey ahead.
A Rising Star in Japan
Garcia has found a welcoming and supportive environment in Japan. She appreciates the respect and admiration she receives from her Japanese fans. "Japan is indescribable - there are no words," Garcia said. "I've had two fights, and I can't walk down the streets. People want to touch me, to get autographs. I was like, 'Wow, is this for real?'"
She is grateful for the opportunity to fight in Japan and is committed to building her career there.
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Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino's Struggles with Weight Cutting
While Gabi Garcia's journey focuses on embracing her natural size, the experiences of Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino highlight the extreme measures some fighters take to meet weight requirements, and the dangers involved. Justino, considered one of the most fearsome women's MMA fighters, has faced immense challenges in cutting weight throughout her career.
The Grueling Process of Weight Cutting
Justino's struggles with weight cutting are vividly depicted, revealing the extreme measures she takes to shed pounds before a fight. This includes spending hours in hot baths and saunas, dehydrating herself to dangerous levels. The physical and mental toll of this process is immense, leading her to question whether it's all worth it.
The process involves rubbing Sweet Sweat onto her skin, wearing a sauna suit, sweats, a hoodie, socks, gloves, and a winter beanie. Then comes the treadmill, soccer, or light work with hand pads - anything to send those sweat glands into overdrive. As the scale looms, there's the sauna and then that bath, filled with Epsom salts because that allegedly draws fluid out of the body, and fluid is the enemy.
The Dangers of Extreme Weight Cutting
Justino's experiences shed light on the dangers of extreme weight cutting in MMA. These risks include heatstroke, brain injury, organ failure, and even death. The article cites the tragic case of Yang Jian Bing, a mixed martial arts fighter who died from suspected heatstroke and cardiopulmonary failure while cutting weight.
Efforts to Reform Weight Cutting Practices
The article also highlights efforts to reform weight cutting practices in MMA. The California State Athletic Commission has approved aggressive weight-cutting reforms, including licensing fighters by weight class and requiring medical signoff. The UFC has also implemented measures to monitor fighters' weight and provide weight management counseling.
Justino's Stance on Weight Cutting
Justino has been vocal about the need to address the issue of weight cutting in MMA. "My biggest fight over the past few years hasn't been in the ring or cage," Justino wrote in a letter this past May lauding Foster's efforts, "but inside the bath, sauna and on the treadmill." She has vowed to never put her body through such extreme weight cuts again.
The Steroid Accusations
Justino's career has been marred by accusations of steroid use. She tested positive for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid, in 2011 and was suspended from competition for 12 months. While Justino admits to taking the drug, she claims it was at the suggestion of a friend to lose weight.
The accusations have followed her throughout her career, with critics questioning whether she could have made 135 pounds and fought Ronda Rousey without doping.