BJJ phenom and Rizin heavyweight Gabi Garcia suffered a brutal weight cut as of late. The fighter was set to face off at the Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix bantamweight tournament on Dec. 29, 2017. However, the fight never came to fruition. Now Garcia has come forward to reveal that she almost died in her recent weight cut gone wrong.
The grand prix went down in Saitama, Japan, with Gabi Garcia initially set to take on Shinobu Kandori. However, Garcia missed weight for the match up by a grand total of 26 pounds. Had the fight been approved, Garcia would have had a 75 pound advantage over her opponent. Rather, the fight was pulled from the event.
Garcia would go on to apologize to the Rizin crowd in an emotional moment inside the Saitama arena. Now the fighter has decided to share some more details on the debilitating weight cut gone wrong.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Garcia explained that the weight cut was becoming dangerous to her well being.
“I decide not cut weight because I feeling like I almost died,” Garcia said. “I have just one coach with me because my coach from Brazil not receive his visa. Guys I’m so sorry but I not cut weight because I’m feeling like I die. All my fans in Japan are very sad because I no fight. I learn with this, for sure.”
“I accept this fight. It’s my fault.”
Doubling down on the statement, Garcia has also taken to Instagram to share some gruesome photos of herself suffering the weight cut.
In the post, Garcia stated:
“Everyone is looking for an excuse, but when it comes to health and our lives they can say it’s anything.
My life first.
pass the photos to the side!
Unfortunately a few days ago I measured my pressure and was high, I thought it was only that day.
When I got off the plane in Japan I went to my training and started to have a headache, my eyesight blurred and my nose bleeding all the time.
I warned my team, but I did not tell anyone because I did not give up.
After all my training, my nose was bleeding from leaving a towel next to it.
It was fine the night before and I decided to cut the weight the next morning, but I woke up with fever and again with my nose dripping, high blood pressure.
Too much stress before traveling, unfortunately I still do not control my body, but I control my decisions.
For those who have lost a brother, dying for a cut of weight would not be my choice.
All together, menstrual period, high blood pressure, it was necessary to cut 17 pounds.
I chose to live.
No need to post any explanation, but no one knows what people are going through.
Do not judge.
Thank you @rizin_pr @rizin_staff for cherishing my life.
I went up to the Saitama ring and apologized to my fans, who continue to support me and asked for my return.
I’m going to rest, and get better back in 2018.
With lots of news and going all the way.
#rizinff #rizin2017 #gabigarcia #teamgabigarcia”
