Grappling star Craig Jones has confirmed the return of the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) with its second installment slated for August 2025 in Las Vegas. The announcement, made on social media, has already generated excitement among fans and competitors, with Jones’ signature humor and candidness setting the tone.
Jones revealed that he secured substantial financial backing for the event, marking another milestone in professional grappling. Reflecting on the inaugural CJI, Jones humorously recalled, “Last time I received a gift of $3 million, gave it all away like an absolute f**king idiot.” For CJI 2, the funding comes through borrowed capital, which Jones cryptically attributed to “potentially some bad people.” Adding to the humor, he joked about using his business partner Seth Belisle’s family as collateral.
Jones emphasized the importance of this event, particularly in light of what he described as “boring a*s grappling events” dominating the recent weekend, referencing competitions like ADXC, BJJ Stars, and UFC FPI. With Las Vegas as the chosen venue, the event promises a high-profile production to match the growing reputation of CJI.
A Growing Legacy for CJI
The first Craig Jones Invitational was a massive success, drawing attention for its innovative approach to professional grappling and raising $500,000 for cancer research. Matches like the intergender bout between Craig Jones and Gabi Garcia, as well as the showdown between Ffion Davies and Mackenzie Dern, captivated fans worldwide.
Promoter Seth Belisle, speaking on the Simple Man podcast, confirmed that Las Vegas will host the event again, likely at the Thomas & Mack Center. He cited the ease of reproducing the blockbuster success of the first CJI, saying, “Vegas is just ideal for the second one… It’s plug and play; I literally would not change anything about the production.”
Belisle hinted at refining the event’s format, particularly the brackets and super fights. He also expressed interest in expanding the weight classes beyond under-80kg and over-80kg, opening the door for lighter athletes to compete. “We want to do more crossover matches,” Belisle added, building on the buzz created by Jones’ intergender clash with Garcia.
Anticipation Builds
With Jones confirming that CJI 2 has received an impressive $17 million in funding, expectations are high. As details about the competitor lineup, ticket sales, and event format emerge, the excitement surrounding CJI 2 continues to grow. Fans can expect another thrilling showcase of world-class grappling talent, combined with Jones’ signature flair for the unexpected.
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