The grappling world lit up after ADCC officially announced a major increase in prize money for its upcoming 2027 World Championship.

Champion purses across the men’s divisions were doubled, and payouts for the Absolute and Superfight were boosted significantly, raising the financial stakes for athletes competing on the sport’s biggest stage.

But one detail quickly became the center of debate.

While the men’s divisions saw increased compensation, the women’s prize money remained the same as the previous edition.

And that didn’t sit well with Craig Jones.

The Numbers Behind The Disparity

Under the newly announced structure, the payouts included:

• Men’s divisions — 1st: $20,000; 2nd: $10,000; 3rd: $3,000; 4th: $1,000
• Women’s divisions — 1st: $10,000; 2nd: $5,000; 3rd: $2,000; 4th: $1,000
• Absolute division — 1st: $50,000; 2nd: $10,000; 3rd: $5,000; 4th: $1,000
• Superfight — Winner: $50,000; Loser: $10,000
• Superlative awards — Best Fighter: $3,000; Best Takedown: $3,000; Fastest Submission: $3,000; Best Fight: $1,500 each athlete

The increase was a major step forward for ADCC , but only partially.

According to Craig Jones, the difference created by doubling men’s payouts while keeping women’s payouts unchanged amounted to $16,000 per women’s division across three women’s weight categories — a total gap of $48,000.

Craig Jones Steps In

Shortly after ADCC’s announcement, Craig Jones addressed the issue publicly in a video statement, explaining why he believed the disparity was unacceptable.

“They announced that the women’s pay was going to remain increased as of the last ADCC but they doubled the men’s pay. That’s a sixteen thousand dollar difference for the three women’s weight divisions in total forty eight thousand dollars.”

Jones then announced he would personally cover the difference to ensure equal compensation for women at ADCC 2027.

“I’ve decided out of the kindness of my own heart and the Fair Fight Foundation to pay the $48,000 difference so that women and men get paid the same for ADCC.”

A Broader Conversation In Professional Grappling

The pay gap debate has been a persistent topic in the sport. Many elite competitors have noted that prize money , even at the most prestigious tournaments — often falls short of what top athletes can earn in a single weekend through seminars, superfights, and appearances.

Jones’ move adds fuel to a wider discussion: who is responsible for building a sustainable professional ecosystem in grappling , promoters, sponsors, or athletes themselves?

More Pressure On ADCC

The announcement also comes during a turbulent period for ADCC, as the organization faces mounting public scrutiny over separate controversies related to athlete eligibility for the 2027 event.

Despite the attention surrounding the compensation discussion, official ADCC channels have not yet issued a detailed response to Jones’ public stance.

What Happens Next?

Whether ADCC will adjust its compensation structure for future editions remains to be seen.

For now, female competitors heading into ADCC 2027 know that one of the sport’s most prominent figures has taken tangible action to close the gap , at least for this event.

And in a sport where athletes often fight uphill battles both on and off the mat, the impact of that decision may resonate far beyond the prize money itself.

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.