The 2024 ADCC World Championships witnessed one of the most shocking moments in grappling history when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt Michael Pixley submitted the heavily favored Nicholas Meregali in the +99kg division quarterfinals. The grappling world was left in disbelief as Pixley, a standout wrestler trained by Heath Pedigo at Daisy Fresh, pulled off a stunning upset, dashing Meregali’s hopes of winning double gold. But perhaps no reaction was more pointed—or more gleeful—than that of Craig Jones, Meregali’s longtime nemesis.
The Feud Between Craig Jones and Nicholas Meregali
Craig Jones and Nicholas Meregali have a well-documented history of animosity that has unfolded over the years. What started as competitive banter escalated into a full-blown rivalry, with each athlete taking shots at the other both on and off the mats. Meregali, known for his outspoken personality, has often declared himself one of the best ever in the sport, a claim that has frequently drawn the ire of Jones, who is known for his sharp wit and sarcastic humor.
Their feud reached new heights when Meregali joined Gordon Ryan and the Danaher Death Squad, with whom Jones had a complicated relationship. The rivalry between the two became even more heated as they exchanged barbs on social media and in interviews, setting the stage for their paths to potentially cross again on the competitive stage.
Craig Jones Reacts to Meregali’s Loss
As fate would have it, Meregali’s shocking loss at ADCC 2024 came at the same time that Craig Jones was hosting his own tournament, the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI). Upon hearing the news of Meregali’s defeat at the hands of a purple belt, Jones couldn’t contain his amusement. Known for his humorous takes on the sport, Jones reacted by laughing his head off, a reaction that quickly went viral among fans and followers on social media.
Jones’ reaction was a mix of vindication and pure entertainment, as Meregali had recently been vocal about his dominance in the sport, declaring himself the best ever. The irony of Meregali’s loss, particularly to a lower-ranked grappler, wasn’t lost on Jones, who seized the opportunity to poke fun at his rival’s misfortune.
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The Match: Meregali vs. Pixley
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Meregali, entering the bout with his usual confidence, was quickly tested by Pixley, who executed a swift footsweep before throwing Meregali to the mat with authority. Despite the initial setback, Meregali stood back up, only to find himself in danger again when Pixley latched onto a guillotine. Meregali managed to drop into guard to escape, but the pressure from Pixley was relentless.
Pixley continued to frustrate Meregali by maintaining the perfect distance, avoiding Meregali’s dangerous guard while staying engaged enough to prevent him from resetting. When Meregali attempted to wrestle up with a single-leg takedown, Pixley countered with an uchi mata, transitioning immediately into a Darce choke. With his shoulder already dislocated from the earlier throw, Meregali had no choice but to tap out, ending his ADCC run in a shocking and unexpected fashion.
The End of Meregali’s ADCC Campaign
Meregali’s loss to Pixley not only ended his hopes of winning double gold but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the ADCC tournament, where even the best can fall to a moment of brilliance from an underdog. For Meregali, who has often touted his superiority in the sport, the loss is a significant setback, one that will likely be a topic of discussion for some time to come.
The Future of the Rivalry
With Jones reveling in Meregali’s misfortune, the rivalry between the two is far from over. While Meregali will undoubtedly look to bounce back from this defeat, Jones will likely continue to leverage the moment as a reminder that in the world of grappling, no one is invincible. Fans can expect the tension between these two to only grow as they both continue to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
In the meantime, Michael Pixley’s star is on the rise, as his victory over Meregali has catapulted him into the spotlight, making him a name to watch in the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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