Craig Jones didn’t hold back in his recent appearance on A Quick Razz with Adam Jones…
Where he dove deep into his thoughts on longtime rival Gordon Ryan.

Craig offered a surprisingly balanced take on one of jiu-jitsu’s most polarizing figures.
Despite their stylistic and philosophical differences, Jones was quick to credit Gordon where it matters most: on the mats.

Gordon is unquestionably the best grappler in the world.
His style is perfection. I would say it’s perfection.

It’s low risk, most people can replicate it, which is why he’s the bestselling instructor.

It’s not just about wins, either.
According to Jones, it’s the way Gordon wins that has fueled his rise to jiu-jitsu superstardom:

From a spectator point of view… For outside viewers, to be like Gordon and be unbeaten, to not have a blip in his record, to not have a f*ck up is really very rare in combat sports, which is what draws viewers in to him.

Jones also pointed to the practical side of Ryan’s dominance and its impact on business:

We make most of our money off instructionals, so a style as perfect as Gordon’s, a record as perfect as Gordon’s, translates to sales because there’s the proof in the pudding that what he’s teaching works.”

But as much as he respects the competitor, Jones didn’t shy away from critiquing Ryan’s public image:

I think he has his following in spite of his persona, not because of it.
I think just his five, six year run, that alone is what draws in the viewers. Not necessarily his personality.

That didn’t stop Jones from taking one of his trademark jabs either:

He is the best grappler ever.
But, like, if that’s if that’s the life it gives you, like brother, have you tried having a friend?

I’m still sick of his Fox News political memes, but I’d be for sure willing to look past that.