A controversial intergender Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fight almost never happened following a male opponent kissed his female counterpart.

Just days before the fight, Australian fighter Craig Jones grabbed the face of his much bigger opponent Gabi Garcia and kissed her on the lips.

That led to a confrontation at the face-off where Garcia could be heard saying: ‘Man. You’re a b***h man. Craig, really? F*** you. You crossed the line, crossed the line, crossed the line,’ before slapping the camera away.

Jones, 33, was actually seen by some as the underdog for this bout despite boasting 55 career wins on his fighter resume.

That is because Garcia, from Brazil has 71 career wins including five MMA victories. 

Gabi Garcia expressed her gratitude and respect for Craig Jones following her defeat

Career results aside, there was also the size difference in the favour of the 38-year-old Garcia.

She is billed at 6ft 2in and 95kg and towered over her opponent, although Jones is actually the heavier of the two at 97kg.

It was a fight that almost never made it to fruition following Jones’ antics in the face-off.

Footage of the fight shows the clear size difference was clear – and the bout began in startling style as Jones appeared to grab Garcia’s head and lock lips.

Garcia, 38, let out a scream in response and could be seen chasing Jones as he fled the scene.

Jones later took to social media proclaiming, ‘Brazilians can’t take a joke’, and that the fight was cancelled, before declaring the fight back on.

Craig Jones won the bout against Gabi Garcia by rear naked choke in the second round

Jones, 33, was able to maintain control of his opponent with Garcia struggling to keep him from locking in a submission.

His victory was met with a smattering of boos as he released the submission hold. 

In a perhaps surprising twist, the two shared a moment of respect following the conclusion of the bout.

Before the video ends Garcia can be seen on her knees bowing her head to the mat as a sign of respect for her opponent.

And the 38-year-old even took to social media offering thanks to Jones following her defeat.

In an Instagram story Garcia said: ‘I really want to express my grattitude and love for you @craigjonesbjj!

‘This months you worked hard and change the sport! I hope one day people have the chance to know you!

‘U [sic] are an incredible person! Genuine! Funny and one of my best friends now! I’m proud of you! U [sic] made!!

‘Thanks for giving me the opportunity to make one more dream come true!

I wait one life for this moment and only happened because you! From my heart love and respect!’

The clash comes after controversies at the Paris 2024 Olympics over the gold medal-winning participations of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting in the women’s boxing events.

Both had previously been disqualified from the 2023 world championship after being deemed to have failed unspecified gender eligibility tests.

Shortly after the event, organising body the International Boxing Association had its status stripped by the International Olympic Committee over governance issues and alleged corruption.

Some sports have limited the levels of testosterone allowed for athletes competing in women’s competition, while others ban everyone who has been through male puberty.

Differences of Sexual Disorder are a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs.

Some people with DSDs are raised as female but have XY sex chromosomes and blood testosterone levels in the male range.

The IOC said its rules of eligibility were based on those of the Tokyo Games in 2021 and could not be changed during a competition.