[UPDATED]: Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) and ADCC

Table of Contents

Introduction

Profile: Craig Jones

ADCC

Athletes Withdrawing from ADCC to Compete at CJI

CJI Competitors, Tournament Brackets, and Superfights

Conversation Topic: Athlete Pay

Athlete Pay: ADCC vs CJI

Viewing Information

Weight Classes

Craig Jones Invitational - Official Rules

Looking Ahead

Aiming to Change the Game

Social Media Discussion 

Questions

Links

Statements from Athletes Competing at CJI

This is a fairly lengthy, in-depth article. If you’re looking for specific information, you can use the find command (control + F, command + F on mac) and paste in the heading name from the table of contents. Thank you for reading and thank you for your patience!

Introduction

There’s been a lot of buzz recently about a new grappling event. The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) is offering a $1,000,000 prize to win the tournament, and $10,001 for athletes just to show up. This has created a lot of questions, regarding a comparison between the two (the main ones can be found at the end of this article). 

Profile: Craig Jones

Started by the master of Mexican Ground Karate himself – Craig Jones – the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt is a very accomplished grappler, as the Australian has most notably taken the silver medal at ADCC twice.

 

Armed with a witty sense of humor and a very relaxed personality, Craig Jones has been a fan-favorite for some time now. He constantly makes jokes where he is on the receiving end of the punchline, showing the fans that he doesn’t take himself too seriously and will publicize his past mistakes to give everyone a laugh. 

 

He may be second place on the podium, but he’s first in the hearts of many Jiu Jitsu practitioners (sorry Craig, we had to)

 

As one of the biggest names currently in Jiu Jitsu, due to his skill and social media presence, many people questioned if he was going to be competing at this year’s ADCC. On a podcast, he said that he could make more money with his current business ventures (seminars, selling online instructionals) than he would if he won ADCC’s $10,000 prize. For this reason, he announced his withdrawal from ADCC.

ADCC

ADCC, or the Abu Dhabi Combat Club, is a highly prestigious submission fighting tournament. Considered the Olympics of grappling, this competition holds qualifying matches that eventually lead to the best Jiu Jitsu practitioners meeting on the world stage to face one another. Past legends like Marcelo Garcia and Roger Gracie have added to their legacies winning this tournament, while current grapplers like Gordon Ryan and JT Torres look to continue adding accolades to their already successful competition careers.

Athletes Withdrawing from ADCC to Compete at CJI

Many notable Jiu Jitsu athletes have announced their decision to withdraw from ADCC to compete at the CJI instead. At the end of this article, we have included links to every competitor who has officially announced their participation in and thoughts around CJI.

CJI Competitors, Tournament Brackets, and Superfights

While you can find each athlete’s statements regarding CJI at the end of this article, we’ve attached some graphics below (via CJI instagram). They show the CJI competitors for the -80kg and +80kg tournaments, the tournament brackets, and the superfight announcements!

 

Outside of the two $1,000,000 tournaments, CJI will also be holding multiple superfights:

 

Ffion Davies vs Mackenzie Dern

 

Mikey Musumeci – Match CANCELLED

Craig Jones vs Gabi Garcia

Conversation Topic: Athlete Pay

Some fans believe that the $10,000 prize offered to winners of ADCC is not enough for the fast growing sport of Jiu Jitsu - something that a number of competitors agree with (evident in their withdrawal from ADCC and spot in CJI). For the long, exhausting hours spent training and the blood, sweat, and tears that competitors give to the sport, there has been online criticism that the monetary prize should be more – especially since most competitors spend most of their hours in a day training to win and teaching classes. 

 

This combination of training and teaching multiple times per day creates a schedule that would not allow them to have a conventional full time job (where they would comparatively earn more money), since to them this training/teaching combo is their full time job. This leaves them at a crossroads. 

 

They want to chase their dream and win ADCC, but to do this they have to train hard multiple times per day and teach multiple classes per day to earn enough money that would cover their basic expenses (food, water, shelter, utilities, car payments, phone bill, and anything else that is required to live in this modern age). However, there isn’t much money in Jiu Jitsu for the majority of competitors, unless you are already a world class competitor and have the reputation/credibility to sell a lot of online instructionals, so some athletes have to sacrifice training to earn the money required to be able to live a basic life.

Athlete Pay: ADCC vs CJI

This is what Craig Jones is looking to change. Instead of ADCC’s $10,000 prize that someone would receive for winning one of the most difficult grappling competitions against super high-level, world class competitors, the CJI is offering $10,001 for competitors to show up.

 

If you aren’t familiar with combat sports financial terms, no worries - it’s pretty simple. “Show money” is the payment athletes receive to show up and compete. “Win money” is the payment athletes receive if they win.

 

“$500 to show” means athletes get $500 for competing whether they win or lose. “$1000 to win” means athletes would get $1000 to win, on top of the previously mentioned $500 show money:  $1500 total if they win. This doesn’t include bonuses or other additional payments an athlete may receive. This also doesn’t take into account the fees and taxes that fighters will have to pay (gym fees, payment to coaches for their time/knowledge, etc).

 

Going back to the two tournaments, CJI is offering $10,001 to show and a $1,000,000 prize to win. Compared to ADCC – where the prize to win is $10,000 ($1 less than CJI’s show money) and even less to show – CJI is making headlines for their huge strides towards improvement in athlete pay.

 

TLDR:

ADCC men’s division winners: $10,000

ADCC women’s division winners: $6,000

 

All CJI competitors: $10,001 

Tournament winners (-80kg and +80kg): $1,000,000 

Viewing Information

In his mission to make Jiu Jitsu more accessible to fans, practitioners, and athletes, Craig Jones will be streaming the CJI event completely free on Youtube - “free on YouTube baby” (like we said, he’s a chill guy). Tickets to attend the event at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las vegas are also being sold, for those who want to watch the event in-person from August 16-17. Regarding ticket sales, Craig has posted the following statement on reddit: “I’m running an event that pays athletes to win 100x what adcc pays them to win and I’m donating the entirety of ticket sales to charity.” (His reddit account can be found here, if you want to confirm for yourself)

 

ADCC is also selling tickets, for those who want to witness the event in-person at the T-Mobile Arena (also in Las Vegas), from August 17-18. However, they will not  have a free streaming option. To watch online, fans will need to pay for a Flo Sports (Flo Grappling) subscription. Many fans online have voiced their criticism of Flo, for creating a paywall to view not-so-frequently-held grappling events. Currently, their annual plan is $12.50/month and their monthly plan is $29.99/month. Fans who have paid for this subscription have criticized Flo’s site for not working properly when the events are held, causing them to endure an extremely poor and frustrating viewing experience.

 

Weight Classes

At the moment, ADCC has 8 weight classes. 

Male athletes can compete in any of the following: 

-65.9 kg (-145.2 lbs)

-76.9 kg (-169.5 lbs)

-87.9 kg (-193.7 lbs)

-98.9 kg (-218.0 lbs)

+99 kg (+220.5 lbs)

Absolute Class 

 

Female athletes can compete in two divisions: 

-60.0 kg (-132.2 lbs) 

+60.0 kg (+132.2 lbs)

 

Compared to ADCC, the CJI only has two weight classes:

 -80.0 kg (-176.4 lbs)

+80.0 kg (+176.4 lbs)

 

They will be holding super fights that feature female competitors, but do not currently have a women’s division.

Craig Jones Invitational - Official Rules

To read the full CJI ruleset, you can visit this link or continue reading below (rules are copy and pasted below, from the same link):

“ I. Time Limits

The regular time limit rules apply for all matches except for the finals. Separate rules apply for the finals in each bracket.

1. Regular time limits

• 3 rounds of 5 minutes
• 1 minute rest in-between rounds

 

2. Time limits for finals

• 5 rounds of 5 minutes + 5 minutes of overtime if points are drawn after round 5 (multiple rounds until one athlete is up on points)

• 1 minute rest in-between rounds

 

1. Legal Techniques

• All chokes except using the hand to close the windpipe.
• Any arm bar, shoulder lock, or wrist lock
• Any Leg Lock or Ankle Lock
• Can Opener is allowed.
• Twister is allowed.
• Full Nelson is allowed.

 

III. Illegal Techniques

• Slamming is allowed only if you are locked in a submission. If your opponent lets go of the submission before you begin the slam, you must let go and abort the slam.

• No spiking your opponent on their head.
• No striking of any kind
• No eye gouging or fish hooking
• No grabbing the ears
• No hair pulling.
• No holding of less than four fingers or toes.
• No thumbing.
• No scratching, pinching, or biting.
• No squeezing or putting pressure on the groin area.
• No knees or elbows to the face.
• No slippery substances allowed on body or clothing.
• No holding of rashguards or shorts.

 

1. Referee and Judges

• Judges will have indicators to signal the referee when they feel:

1. Warning should be given
2. Stalling should be enforced

iii. Referee will take judge’s notce into consideration but will retain sole discretion on call and enforcement of Warnings and Stalling penalty.

• Referee, following a warning notification, can enforce a stalling penalty. In their sole discretion, referee may:

• Apply a negative point
• Apply a negative point and reset the position

 

1. Scoring

 

1. General Scoring Criteria

Rounds will be judged individually on a 10-Point Must System. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and 9 points or less must be awarded to the loser. A submission always leads to an immediate win of the entire match.

In all matches except for the final round of each division: If both athletes end up with the same score (e.g. 28-28), the athlete who won the third round will be determined the winner. In case of a draw in the final rounds, the match will continue in overtime (see I.1).

The following criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round:

1. A round is to be scored as a 10-9 round when an athlete wins by a close

margin.

1. A round is to be scored as a 10-8 round when an athlete is overwhelmingly

dominant throughout the round.

1. A round is to be scored a 10-7 round when an athlete totally dominates

throughout the round and almost finishes the opponent.

 

JUDGING CRITERIA RANKED

1. INITIATING ACTION – the highest reward is for initiating action. Attempting takedowns, guard pass, sweeps, submissions, etc. Judges will give the highest reward to the competitor who is aggressive, the one starting the action and attacking that leads to scrambles.

 

1. CLOSE SUBMISSIONS & DYNAMIC ACTION – Dynamic Action is takedowns, sweeps, passes, etc. After initiating action, progressing through control and position to sub attempts weighs heavy on judges. 

 

III. POSITIONAL CONTROL/DOMINANT CONTROL – This is the last factor. If all else is equal, the competitor who controlled the match positionally or dictated the pace of the match will be rewarded.

 

2. Penalties

 

1. Stalling and Passivity

• Stalling and passivity will be determined by the referee when one athlete is purposely slowing the pace, aggression, or flow of the match with no apparent strategy to progress, move to a more dominant position or set up a submission.

1. Stalling can be called from ANY position (including front or backmounted positions, as well as all defensive positions) if the referee determines there is no attempt to progress to submission, escape a pinned position or stay active.

1. Passivity can be defined as an athlete who avoids contact or engagement with their opponent.

• When referee determines an athlete is stalling:

1. Referee will announce “Stalling Warning” to the athlete.
2. If the athlete does not make an attempt to initiate action shortly after receiving the warning, a point will be deducted.

• Stalling will be enforced if any part of an athlete’s back is touching the ground

for more than 3 seconds without any connection to the opponent.

• A fighter cannot flee or run from a guard pull, they must defend, break or engage the position. Fleeing or running from engagement or an attack counts as stalling.

• If an athlete’s hands or feet touch the top of the pit, the athlete will be penalized by a warning, and, if offense is repeated, by a point deduction.

 

1. Point Deduction

• If a point is being deducted for stalling:

1. The referee shall call timeout.
2. The referee shall order the offending athlete to a neutral location.

iii. The referee shall then inform the corners and the judges of the point being deduced.

1. The referee shall reset the athletes in a neutral position (standing without connection).

• If an athlete uses an illegal technique and renders the opponent injured or otherwise unable to continue fighting immediately:

1. The referee shall call timeout.
2. The referee shall order the offending athlete to a neutral location.

iii. The referee shall allow the injured athlete up to 5 minutes to recover from the foul.

1. The referee shall then determine whether the foul was intentional. If he deems the foul to be intentional, the referee shall deduce a point and inform the corners and the judges of the point deduction.

1. If the injured athlete is able to continue within or after 5 minutes, the referee shall reset the athletes in the same position they were in before the foul occurred.

1. If the injured athlete is unable to continue within or after 5 minutes, the

referee may decide, based on the severity of the foul,

1. To disqualify the offending athlete
2. To discontinue the match and decide a winner based on the current scorecards. Incomplete rounds should be scored utilizing the same criteria as the scoring of other rounds up to the point said incomplete round is stopped.

• If an athlete intentionally uses an illegal technique and the opponent is not injured or otherwise unable to continue fighting immediately:

1. The referee shall notify the offending athlete of the foul.
2. The referee shall then determine whether the foul was intentional. If he deems foul to be intentional, the referee shall let the match continue and inform the corners and judges of the point deduction after the round. “

Brandon Mccaghren (CJI announcer/commentator) and scottypbreakdown had an in depth discussion about the official rules, the brackets, and seeding. Check out their analysis below!

Looking Ahead

 

2024 is the first year that the CJI will be held, but hopefully not the last according to Craig Jones. On reddit, he replied to a fan saying, 

 

“We will change this game and create an annual event. If some miss out this year such as lighter weight men and we really hope not women. We will eventually create something that takes care of all. Would be a shame to not have people like Ffion [Davies] involved, who is a positive voice in this community and a role model to many young athletes.

 

I know everything I put forth is humorous but if I can’t leave a legacy as an athlete I want to leave one as changing the game for all athletes ability to make money.”

Aiming to Change the Game

Craig Jones is looking to make the competition aspect of Jiu Jitsu better in every way he can: 

- Better pay for athletes. 

- More attention brought to and discussion around the topic of fighter pay, something that could transfer over to other combat sports with the same concerns (ex. mma)

- Better accessibility to the sport of Jiu Jitsu - free streaming on youtube (no payment required)

- A new ground for competition that will deter competitors from trying to deliberately go off-mat for a reset, known as “The Alley”

- A unique scoring system that Jiu Jitsu athletes/fans will understand, but one that mma fans or anyone new to the sport can also easily pick up

“3 x 5 min rounds with traditional Jiu Jitsu scoring but judges will translate it into a 10 Point Must System at the end of rounds. The CJI will also have open scoring meaning athletes & fans will know the score at all times.”

In other words, the winner of a round will receive 10 points and the loser of the round will receive 9 or less

 

A combination of these factors have led many high-profile competitors to compete in CJI, with the most obvious one being that $1,000,000 prize. 

 

A list of competitors, along with links to their CJI announcements can be found in the last section of this article. We highly recommend reading this list, as it includes many of their personal thoughts on the situation and their decisions between CJI and ADCC.

Social Media Discussion 

Many people are voicing their online support for Craig, the work he is doing with this year’s CJI, and the unified message of higher competitor pay across all of Jiu Jitsu. Below are some quotes that summarize fan sentiment, right now:

- “Damn Craig jones is now officially competing with ADCC.” (instagram)

- “What started as one man’s idea in a disabled bathroom stall ended up here on @joerogan” (Craig Jones on instagram, after going on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast)

- “He will do this the same day as ADCC to make athletes choose. $10,001 to show at his tourny or go try to win $10,000 at ADCC.” (reddit)

- “Hard choice. 10k to show and 1 mil to win, or potentially 10k… If I was a professional bjj athlete and not some random guy, I’d be all over this.” (reddit)

 

Questions

- How will ADCC respond? How should they respond?

- Is the CJI sustainable for future events, with more weight classes?

- Do competitors prefer the prestigious history of competing and potentially winning at ADCC? Or would they prefer the $1,000,000 prize of the new CJI tournament?

- CJI is bringing attention to the issue of athlete pay, could this transfer over to other combat sports and organizations, like the UFC and its mma fighters?

- With the confirmed withdrawal of many high level competitors from ADCC, and potentially more to follow, does this mean winning ADCC would mean less to competitors if the level of competition was not as high as it previously was?

 

Links

Craig Jones Invitational official website

CJI Instagram

ADCC official website

ADCC Instagram

Video summary of ADCC vs CJI controversy. This video explains the situation, gives the standpoints from both the CJI and ADCC point of view, and more. 

 

Specifically, it includes statements from Gordon Ryan, a Jiu Jitsu legend himself. One of the greatest Jiu Jitsu practitioners to ever live; black belt under Garry Tonnon, Tom deBlass, and John Danaher; New Wave Jiu Jitsu team member alongside world class competitors like Nicholas Meregali; former member of the disbanded Danaher Death Squad, aka the DDS) has detailed his thoughts on ADCC / CJI rivalry in this youtube video posted an outside party.

Statements from Athletes Competing at CJI

 

William Tackett via instagram post: 

“I would like to announce I will be competing in @cjiofficial this year. This was a tough decision for me, especially since I felt I had a great chance to win ADCC this year. But 1,000,000 is not only life changing for me, but my whole family. That being said, I’m very excited to be locked in and ready to scrap for my life August 16th and 17th at Thomas & Mac in Las Vegas”

 

Andrew Tackett via instagram post:

“Officially dropping out of adcc worlds to do the Craig Jones invitational!

I have dreamed of doing adcc since I was a little kid, but 1 million dollars is a-lot of money; and is life changing for me!

If I have a chance to win 1 million, then I am going for it.

I still wish the best to adcc and Mo and hope the event is mind blowing, and successful!”

 

Ffion Davies via instagram post:

“Hi guys! I’m so happy to announce I’ll be fighting on @cjiofficial 🤍 I’m proud to support the event especially as we will be giving a donation in aid of the people in Gaza affected by the ongoing tragedy. This means I will not be participating at ADCC.

I’ll be making a YouTube video soon to explain further 🫶🫶🫶 *Opponent to be announced soon”

 

Nicky Ryan via instagram post

“I’ve officially withdrawn from @adcc_official to enter the @cjiofficial. It’s really hard to say no to a chance to win a million dollars and I truly believe that I can get it done. @mojassim80 and @adcc_official have done a great job of growing the sport and getting a lot more spectators to attend these events. You guys will definitely see me in more Adcc events in the future but for now I’m gonna take my chances at @cjiofficial. Both of these events are a great thing for the sport and I’m excited to see the future. At the end of the day if you’re truly one of my supporters you should be happy for me getting the opportunity to win the biggest cash prize the sport has ever seen, I’ll see everyone in August.”

 

Nicky Rodriguez via instagram post

“NickyRod Officially In @cjiofficial Million Dollar Grand Prize Tournament 🏟️ 💰”

 

Jozef Chen via instagram post

“If I win I guess I shouldn’t keep pirating instuctionals” (Craig’s team the “B-team” all have quite the sense of humor)

 

Roberto Jiménez via instagram post

“​​Official, I decided to participate in @cjiofficial 2024

Still on my list of goals to win double gold @adcc_official but it won’t be in 2024. Wether I have to run trials or get invited I will be back to ADCC but for now …

 

I’m gonna take my chances with CJI, this will be one of the greatest meet of generations of some of the greatest athletes of all time in the sport of jiujitsu.

I want to be there, I have to be there.I’m going.

will I win? I don’t know, but let’s find out.”

 

João Gabriel Rocha via instagram post

“Now it’s official!!! Let’s make history. @cjiofficial”

 

Victor Hugo via instagram post (+80kg)

“Happy to officially announce my participation on the CJI tournament in August.

Feliz em anunciar oficialmente minha participação no torneio CJI em agosto.”

 

Owen Livesey via instagram post (+80kg)

“Back to Vegas.

Thomas & Mack Arena.

@cjiofficial

All to play for.

Thanks @craigjonesbjj for the invite.”

Renato Canuto via instagram post (-80kg)

“Stuck around long enough to see Jiujitsu Events pay out a million dollars to the winner. Everything about this event is attractive to me! From the ruleset, the mat setup, the free streaming to reach everyone and especially people who can’t afford it or have no idea what grappling is. I like that it’s a non-profit event and it only adds to the awesomeness of this project As giving it back makes us feel even happier about it. The 10k and a one dollar to show money is what the athletes deserve to prepare for and to perform at such an event.

The winning prize money is alright as well!

The bar is being raised really high and I thought it would take me going to MMA building a whole new career and banking all on that to be able to do such a thing for the sport. So I can’t thank enough @craigjonesbjj for making this happen while I am still in the game. Happy to be a part of history in the making! Let’s F~ing goooo 🚀🐒💸

🇧🇷 Fiquei no jogo por tempo suficiente para ver o Grappling pagando um milhão de dólares para o vencedor. Tudo sobre esse evento me atrai! As regras, a configuração do tatame, o streaming gratuito para alcançar a todos, principalmente às pessoas que não tenham condições de pagar ou não tenham nem ideia do que é grappling. Gosto também que é um evento sem fins lucrativos o que só contribui para a grandiosidade deste projeto, pois retribuir faz a gente se sentir ainda mais felizes em fazer parte. Os 10 mil e um dólar para lutar é o tipo de dinheiro que os atletas merecem para se preparar e atuar em um evento.l dessa grandiosidade.

O prêmio em dinheiro para o vencedor também não está ruim!

Eles estão elevando o jogo a um nível muito alto e eu pensei que seria necessário eu ir para o MMA construir uma carreira totalmente nova e apostar tudo nessa ideia para poder fazer tal coisa pelo esporte. Portanto, não posso agradecer o suficiente ao @craigjonesbjj e seus parceiros por fazer isso acontecer enquanto eu ainda estou no jogo. Feliz por fazer parte de um dos vento histórico como este! Chaaaama 🚀🐒💸”

 

Matheus Diniz via instagram post (-80kg)

“I’m very happy to announce that I will be competing at @cjiofficial

I'm grateful for all the other opportunities that I had but this is huge and I have to go for.

Estou muito feliz em anunciar que estarei competindo no CJI.

Sou grato por todas as outras oportunidades que tive, mas isso é enorme e não posso deixar de competir.”

 

Eoghan O’Flanagan (-80kg) via instagram post

“The rumours are true - Honestly there’s a million reasons as to why I’m going with @cjiofficial instead of adcc and I could make 10,001 jokes about it but I feel like they would be in poor taste.

At -81 I’ll probably look like one of my favourite crackheads but rest assured fellas I haven’t found a new hobby

#inshallah #Imdoingthisforfighterpayandcharityobviously”

 

Fellipe Andrew (+80kg) via instagram post

“Nogi, no problem.

Aqui vamos nós em busca do 🌽💵😅

Estamos dentro, desse evento que tem tudo para ser inesquecível, uma premiação nunca vista no mundo do jiu jitsu/grappling.

Obrigado pela oportunidade @cjiofficial !

O evento acontece em Las Vegas dia 16 e 17 de agosto.

Vejo vocês lá ! 🫡

🇺🇸 Nogi, no problem.

Here we go l, looking for the 🌽💵😅 (Portuguese joke)

We’re in, this event has everything to be unforgettable, an award never seen before in the world of jiu jitsu/grappling.

Thanks for the opportunity @cjiofficial !

The tournament happens in Las Vegas on August 16th and 17th.

I see you guys there !🫡”

 

Max Gimenis (+80kg) via instagram post

“Big boy in the game @cjiofficial 1 🌽💰

Very excited to announce that I’m going to fight @cjiofficial , it’s not every day that a grappling event pays 1 million dollars.

This is something very big for our sport, being part of this is incredible, I will work hard to do very well in this dispute. 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

See you guys in AUGUST 🌽💰👊🏽”

 

Levi-Jonesz Leary (-80kg) via instagram post

“Money for charity, million-dollar prizes, and not having to do weird fake wrestling turtle thing? Obviously I’m in!

It’s a win-win-win.”

 

Tommy Langaker (-80kg) via instagram post

“So turns out im doing CJI! 💰

@craigjonesbjj convinced me with a legendary afterparty😵

But seriously- A huge milestone in terms of athlete pay have been reached and im happy that i get to take part in this event!

With names ive taken some Ls to, fuels me with some extra motivation. Looking forward to this challange, and my bank account would look good with 1million in there💰”

 

Adam Bradley (+80kg) via instagram post

“So happy to announce I made the choice to compete at @cjiofficial this August in Las Vegas.

First off, I truly believe I'm doing what's right for not only me but for the sport's future. Athletes should be paid well for their participation and treated with respect.

Secondly, it's undeniable that ADCC has grown the sport and created a truly captivating event. So my respect is given in that regard.

I do feel a need to finally say a little of what's been on my mind and be honest without fear of punishment.

While it's amazing that we finally have the chance to choose and we're being paid our worth. I am competing for reasons far more valuable to me than a million dollars.

I have experienced years of mistreatment in this profession. Toxic grappling fans, selfish coaches, leeches & countless unprofessional promoters. Etc.

In short, I was blatantly robbed at trials & never got an explanation. I was then listed as the last resort for ADCC 2024. A childhood dream was reduced to a piece of gum that was chewed up by others before finally being spit out into my hand and called a favor.

It was Flavorless.

I had lost all excitement but I still accepted because I thought that's what I needed to validate myself.

If they had treated me differently during this time then I would have stayed with them and felt good about it. Hopefully this statement is clear. I demand respect and fair treatment. I hope to work with ADCC when they earn my trust back. IBJJF has at least explained their rules to me when I wasn't sure why something happened.

When Seth & Craig reached out they said I was on their list from the start. I felt valued for the first time. They believe in me and believe I'm worth $10k just to be there. I believe in them and their mission as well.

I accepted their invite and instantly felt a weight off my shoulders. I even cried a couple tears of joy to be honest. I feel so inspired for the first time in years. Money may be a great motivator for my opponents but I'm fighting for a statement that's worth more to me than money.

In my life story this will be my Redemption Arc. Stay tuned 🫡🇺🇲”

 

Andy Varela (-80kg) via instagram post

“Million? Say less. Let’s run it 🫡 @cjiofficial locked in”

 

Jason Nolf via instagram post

“It’s official! In august I will competing in Las Vegas in the @cjiofficial for a chance at $1 million! Can my wrestling get it done??

I think this is so awesome and such a great opportunity for the grappling community. Thank you @craigjonesbjj 🙌🏼

Let’s gooo!!!”

 

Inacio Santos (+80kg) via instagram post

“🇺🇸I’m very happy to announce that i will be competing at the @cjiofficial , time to get ready and go after the cash 💵 .

🇧🇷Muito Feliz em anunciar que vou estar competindo no @cjiofficial , hora de se preparar e lutar pela grana.”

 

The Ruotolo Brothers (-80kg) – Kade Ruotolo and Tye Ruotolo –  via instagram post

“The youngest veterans are coming for the bag

-80kg ✅”

 

Pat Downey (+80kg) via instagram post

“@cjiofficial i'm coming for that 💰

s/o @craigjonesbjj for stickin it to 'The Man' & including me in the most lucrative grappling event in history. excited to compete August 16th @ The Thomas and Mack center in Las Vegas. 1,000,000$ is more than enough incentive to debunk juijitsu❕🦾🤼‍♂️🇺🇸🐲🐉👑 #BAG #Millionaire #Grappling #Combat #Athlete #CJI #CraigJones #ADCC #Wrestling #AlwaysWorkin 🍿”

 

Pedro Alex (+80kg) via instagram post

“It’s official! I’m really happy to announce that I gonna fight on @cjiofficial in August! I can’t wait for that!

É oficial! Estou muito feliz em anunciar que irei lutar no @cjiofficial em agosto! Mal posso esperar!”

 

Mikey Musumeci (Superfight) via instagram post

“Who’s down to roll? Match announcement soon 🐶🫡🔥❤️ @cjiofficial”

UPDATE: Unfortunately, Mikey’s match has been CANCELLED.

 

Kyle Boehm (+80kg) via instagram post

“I am thrilled to announce my participation in @cjiofficial . The idea of competing for a million dollars has been surreal to me since I was invited. My decision to switch from adcc however, was more influenced by the mission of the event and who is organizing it.

CJI is being run by one of us, a pro grappler; for the purpose of benefiting the grapplers. It has to be done on the same weekend to incentivize a change in the adcc pay structure; which has now been altered to include show money (Presumably this change he will be permanent as I’d imagine there would be vitriol if they went back to no show money in 2026).

In addition, many new athletes will get to compete for adcc now, filling the vacated spots of those of us who left for cji; and of course 32 grapplers are making show money and two of us will make a million in one weekend. Not to mention there will be more eyes on this event than any other before it. CJI is undeniably benefiting the grapplers. Considering all of this, the choice was very easy. This is something I believe in and want to be a part of. Thanks @craigjonesbjj for the invite.”

 

Magid Hage (-80kg) via instagram post

“Got invited to the party… 1 of 16 grapplers to get chosen for the million dollar bracket! Some reasons that made the decision easy…

1. Million
2. I prefer the rules
3. 3Kilos
4. Both adcc/cji brackets are hard as fuck
5. Million dollar make you holler
6. Nobody has more fun
7. Imagine how much fun I can have with a million dollars

In all seriousness there’s no doubt this movement will help raise the bar of professionalism in preparation and performances in events...and it’s about time.

Never been more motivated in my life!”

 

Kenta Iawmoto (-80kg) via instagram post

“I was chosen as one of the 16 people who were given a chance of becoming a millionaire in one day. If the reason I have been chosen poses as a question as to whether I can do it, I am going to answer that I will.

And once this is over, I’ll be spending my days frolicking with girls in a garden in a faraway heavenly land.

1億6千万円を手にして戻るから、トー横キッズたちは目をかっぴらいて見とくんだな。”

 

Mahamed Aly (+80kg) via instagram post

“Happy to compete at @cjiofficial

It’s been awhile since my last BJJ tournament but I think I still got this 😊

We’ll have to adjust a few things and remember not to punch people in the face 😂

Life is good… let’s go!!! 🔥🔥🔥”

 

Daniel Greg Kerkvliet (+80kg) via instagram post

“Blessed to be 1 of the 16 competing in the @cjiofficial. Time to take the leotard and shoes off”

Other competitors who have confirmed their participation in CJI:
Luke Rockhold via CJI instagram post (-80kg)

Mason Fowler via CJI instagram post  

Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa via CJI instagram post (-80kg)

Mackenzie Dern via CJI instagram post (Women’s Superfight match vs Ffion Davis)

Thank you for reading - we hope this was a helpful summary of what’s going on regarding the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) and ADCC!