In the wake of William Tackett’s explanation for choosing a UFC BJJ contract over participation in Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2), Craig Jones has responded with both support and a hint of regret.
Here is what he had to say in a Reddit comment:
I love the Tackett’s and still do. They chose steady income which is fine.
I offered them a team checkmat or to build their own Americas misfits team. To be honest I wanted a team with Pato, Andrew, William, Roberto and whoever else they wanted for +99.
As a fan and promoter I’m sad we don’t get this.
Jones explained that, while he respects their decision, he has a different goal in mind than what some may think:
We don’t have like minded interests here, I’m trying to build a Super Bowl event in which people could participate from all organizations.
That is not what we have the ability to do here, my strategy has changed to be anti monopolistic.I too could have sold CJI streaming rights but I thought this would be detrimental to the overall growth of the sport.
He further said this comes at the expense of his bank account:
This decision comes at the expense of my own bank account, not its growth.
I fully recognize I’m in a blessed financial position to do this.
So no shame in people choosing steady income.I do however object to signing these deals as “good for the sport”, it’s good for your bank account.
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