The next Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2) just got more intriguing with the appointment of Greg Souders as head coach of the America’s Misfit team.

Souders, the founder of Standard Jiu-Jitsu Academy, was introduced during the debut episode of On Borrowed Time with Craig Jones, where host Alex Wendling spoke with both Jones and Souders about the vision for the team and the upcoming event.

Here is what Souders had to say:

It feels great.
We made a lot of noise in the last couple years as a team and getting the invite to coach a bunch of guys that I’ve never coached before.

It’s an exciting prospect and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.

Known for his success with his home academy, Souders acknowledged that his selection might ruffle feathers across the community:

I think it’s going to be mixed. I think a lot of people will be angry, but a lot of people be happy.
I think everyone will be interested regardless.

CJI 2 will feature a twist on the traditional Quintet format — blending tag-team dynamics with live coaching strategy.

Coaches won’t just choose the initial order of fighters – they’ll decide matchups on the fly, reacting in real time to the other team’s picks, as explained by Craig Jones:

The coach is going to be important.

Where it’s going to come into play is that you’re going to see how coaches think people match up against each other.

Souders is already thinking tactically:

I would focus on three things.

First, the athletes I have and knowing what their capabilities are historically. Second would be the same thing on the other team.
So who are we facing? What are the skills of the other people as we decide who’s going to go with who?

And finally, I think the opinions of the athletes themselves, knowing which one of our guys would like to fight which one of them.

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.