Happy Friday: Garcia/Dern/Metamoris 6 Edition

Happy Friday everyone!

So apparently the saga continues: according to an article in MMA Fighting, there were talks of Mackenzie Dern and Gabi Garcia fighting in Metamoris 6, but couldn’t come to terms with payment. According to Dern, the paltry sum they were willing to pay the female fighters, in addition to the match being on absurdly short notice (4 days before the event) just didn’t make sense and that it’s detrimental to women’s jiu jitsu, and I absolutely agree. It sets a precedent that would take a long time to reverse, if ever.

However, believe it or not I can also see Garcia’s point about wanting to fight anyone, anywhere (I know, I surprise me too sometimes). Personally, it grates against my soul to think of walking away from a fight. I think Gabi needs to see the bigger picture here though: it’s not about the fighting, it’s about the expectations that is being set when agreeing to do these sorts of events. I don’t think she’s seeing the larger implication by accepting a smaller amount- that her jiu jitsu is worth less than a man’s jiu jitsu. She and Dern are some of the most recognized names in the community, male or female, so why should they accept a sum that would be more deserving of a lesser known name?

Either she doesn’t realize this, or just doesn’t care- which actually I wouldn’t be surprised. I imagine she’s had a lifetime of practice not giving a damn what other people say or think, but in this case I do think she needs to take a step back and see the longer, more nuanced implications of her actions.

What do you guys think? Let me know- otherwise, have a great weekend everyone!

Metamoris on Booking Women’s Matches- They Can’t “Afford” Them

In an article on Girljitsu according to Ralek Gracie- head of the Metamoris event, the organization can’t afford to put together more women’s matches. It sounds like there is a promise to put women on a prelim card, but there’s a lot of pressure in regards to who is placed in the main event.

“It’s absolutely not a joke who ends up on the card.” says Gracie.

…you want to run that by me again, Ralek?

In all seriousness though, I understand that he wants to appeal to the most people as possible, but I think he’s doing his own organization a great disservice by not including more women’s matches. I mean damn, even the UFC got on board and started including more women’s matches. I read the article, I know Ralek attributes this change to Rousey and her rise to fame, but really it was only a matter of time- well, I think it was.

What do you guys think about the whole thing? Let me know- otherwise, have a great day everyone!