The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) has rapidly emerged as a groundbreaking event in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community, making headlines for its dramatic rivalry with the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC). Taking place in the same city and on the same weekend as ADCC 2024, the CJI has sparked significant controversy and captivated the BJJ world. 

The Success of the Craig Jones Invitational

The Craig Jones Invitational was an undeniable success, drawing attention not only for its high-caliber matches but also for the drama that unfolded. The event’s success is a testament to the growing influence of Craig Jones in the BJJ world, as well as the allure of high-stakes competition. 

The CJI attracted an impressive attendance, with fans and athletes alike flocking to witness history in the making. The event’s atmosphere was electric, with each match delivering on the promise of intense action and technical brilliance.

The Craig Jones Invitational boasted an extraordinary turnout, reflecting the growing popularity of BJJ and the event’s significant appeal. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as fans eagerly anticipated the high-profile matchups. The event’s success in drawing such a large crowd is a clear indication of its impact on the BJJ community.

The Craig Jones vs. Gabi Garcia Match

Gabi Garcia faces off with Craig Jones/ Cesar PenPenaloza

One of the most talked-about moments of the Craig Jones Invitational was the match between Craig Jones and Gabi Garcia. This match was not without controversy, as Jones choked out Garcia in a dramatic finish. However, the event also garnered attention for the controversial moment during the face-offs when Jones kissed Garcia, sparking debate and criticism within the community.

The kiss during the face-offs became a focal point of discussion, with many debating its appropriateness and impact on the sport. Despite the controversy, the match itself was a highlight of the event, showcasing the high level of competition and the intensity that defines the CJI.

The Rivalry Between Craig Jones Invitational and ADCC 

The rivalry between the Craig Jones Invitational and ADCC has become one of the biggest news stories in the BJJ world in 2024. This unprecedented competition between two major promotions has captured the attention of the entire grappling community, with each side vying for supremacy.

ADCC has been the premier no-gi grappling tournament since its inception in 1998, founded by Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Nelson Monteiro. Over the years, it has maintained its status as the most prestigious event in the no-gi grappling world, despite competition from other promotions like the IBJJF No-Gi World Championship.

Tension Builds Over Time

The foundation for the rivalry between the Craig Jones Invitational and ADCC was laid over time, as ADCC’s prize money remained stagnant despite the sport’s growth. The $10,000 grand prize, once considered substantial, began to lose its luster in comparison to other events offering higher payouts.

As the sport grew, so did the expectations of the athletes. Competitors could earn more from selling instructionals than from participating in major events. This disparity in prize money became a point of contention, with Craig Jones openly criticizing ADCC for not increasing the payout.

Craig Jones and His Journey With ADCC 

Craig Jones’ relationship with ADCC has been a long and storied one. He first competed in ADCC 2015, winning the Trials to earn his spot but exiting in the opening round. His persistence paid off in 2017 when he made a significant impact, eventually securing a silver medal in 2019 and another in 2022.

Jones’ journey through ADCC reflects his growth as an athlete and his increasing influence in the BJJ world. His experiences with ADCC, both the highs and the lows, played a pivotal role in shaping his vision for the Craig Jones Invitational.

The Spark That Ignited the Rivalry: ADCC 2024

ADCC 2024 was set to be a massive event, moving to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with even higher production costs. Despite this, the prize money remained unchanged, leading to dissatisfaction among competitors and setting the stage for the rivalry with the Craig Jones Invitational.

The decision to hold ADCC 2024 at the T-Mobile Arena, despite the stagnant prize money, was a catalyst for the growing tension. The move highlighted the promotion’s focus on expansion and spectacle, even as competitors felt the financial strain.

The Birth of the Craig Jones Invitational

In response to the situation with ADCC, Craig Jones secured $3,000,000 in funding to create his own tournament, promising significantly higher payouts, including a $1,000,000 prize for the winners of two 16-man tournaments.

Jones’ bold move to offer $10,001 just for showing up at the CJI, and a chance to win $1,000,000, was a direct challenge to ADCC. This prize structure not only attracted top talent but also solidified the CJI as a serious competitor to ADCC.

The Clash of Events: CJI vs. ADCC 

The rivalry took a dramatic turn when Jones announced that the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational would take place on the same weekend and in the same city as ADCC 2024. This forced competitors to choose between the two events, further intensifying the rivalry.

Athletes faced a tough decision: compete for a chance to win $10,000 at ADCC or $1,000,000 at CJI. This choice led to several high-profile competitors, including the Tackett brothers and Ffion Davies, opting for the CJI over ADCC.

Kade Ruotolo Chooses CJI Over ADCC

One of the most significant decisions was made by Kade Ruotolo, the youngest ADCC champion of all time. Ruotolo, along with his brother Tye, chose to compete at the Craig Jones Invitational, marking a major shift in the BJJ landscape.

The decision by the Ruotolo brothers to forego ADCC for CJI was a testament to the allure and potential of Jones’ new event. It also underscored the growing tension between the two promotions and their fight for dominance in the BJJ world.

“That was a super tough decision for my brother and I,” Ruotolo said. “We were getting pulled between ADCC and that new CJI. So we were really kind of torn in both directions and made our decision to go with CJI.

“There’s a couple of reasons [why we chose to go there], it didn’t narrow it down to one thing. My brother and I both made the decision together. There were a couple of things. First, not to state the obvious, $1 million is $1 million, [that’s] just so much money. ADCC has the accolades and prestige, but with this new CJI coming into play, a lot of the hefty competitors, a lot of the sick names have left already and gone into this next division.

“The other thing is my brother and I can compete in the same division, but on opposite sides. So I reckon my brother will be on one side of the bracket, I’ll be on the other … so if all goes well, we’ll meet in the finals and have an awesome war there.”

BJJ prodigy Mikey Musumeci did not compete in the tournament because they where not able to secure him an opponent. Musumeci trains at Team Lloyd Irvin in Maryland, one of the most well-known and successful BJJ teams in the United States. His time with Team Lloyd Irvin was instrumental in shaping his early competitive career and establishing him as one of the top competitors in the sport​.

Musumeci was scheduled to face CJI winner Kade Ruotolo in a grappling match at ONE FC in September but Ruotolo has been forced to pull out due to an injury. Sports betting promos are sure to come in handy for any major BJJ event with the success of this year’s CJI and ADCC, and the sport’s continuous growth into the mainstream.

Gabi Garcia vs. Craig Jones at CJI 

The decision by Gabi Garcia to withdraw from ADCC and fight Craig Jones at the CJI was another major blow to ADCC. Garcia, a four-time ADCC world champion, openly discussed the financial incentives that led to her decision, highlighting the appeal of the CJI.

Garcia’s decision to fight at CJI was largely motivated by the higher payout, a reflection of the broader dissatisfaction with ADCC’s prize money. This move by one of the sport’s biggest stars further solidified the CJI’s status as a legitimate competitor to ADCC.

The Domain Name Controversy 

In a surprising twist, key domain names related to the Craig Jones Invitational were purchased and redirected to the ADCC website. This development added another layer of intrigue to the already heated rivalry between the two promotions.

The identity of the person or group behind the domain redirection remains unknown, but the incident has fueled speculation and added to the drama surrounding the rivalry between CJI and ADCC.

The Future of the Craig Jones Invitational and ADCC

As both events approach, the rivalry between the Craig Jones Invitational and ADCC is expected to reach new heights. The outcome of this competition will likely shape the future of professional grappling for years to come.

The success of both events will have significant implications for the BJJ community, with potential changes in how athletes are compensated and how events are structured. The ongoing rivalry has already sparked discussions about the future of the sport and its evolution.