In an unexpected turn of events, reigning ADCC champion Ffion Davies has announced her decision to compete at the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) and withdraw from the upcoming ADCC championship. The announcement was made on her social media platforms, where she expressed both excitement and a deep sense of responsibility towards a humanitarian cause.
The CJI event is set to take place on the same weekend as the ADCC in Las Vegas. Both William and his brother Andrew Tackett had qualified for ADCC by winning the trials and have also anounced that they will instead compete at CJI.
Davies stated, “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.”
This move by Davies is not just a strategic decision in terms of her career but also a reflection of her values and priorities. By aligning with the Craig Jones Invitational, she leverages her influence and platform to spotlight and contribute to a pressing global issue—the crisis in Gaza.
The choice to forgo defending her title at ADCC in favor of participating in an event that promises a charitable contribution marks a significant pivot in how athletes are viewing their roles in the broader societal and geopolitical landscapes. It underscores a growing trend where athletes are not merely participants in their sports but are ambassadors of change and advocacy.
As the grappling community awaits the release of her detailed YouTube video, which promises to explain her decision further, the focus also shifts to who will step up to challenge her at the CJI. This opponent announcement is highly anticipated as it will significantly shape the narrative and dynamics of the invitational.
