The “feud” between Craig Jones and sambo is already well-established, as the popular BJJ athlete rarely ever holds back his thoughts on the martial art.
However, in a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Jones decided to expand on the topic – and consider the Dagestani sambo practitioners as well.
He started off with saying that, when it comes to pure grappling matches, there’s “not a good sambo guy on Earth”:
Khabib (Nurmagomedov) started this beef and then we’ve had, in terms of pure grappling matches, there’s not a good sambo guy on Earth.
Obviously the skill set they have translates quite well to MMA, but in terms of pure grappling there are some holes in the game.
They banned rotational leg locks and things like that, so it is a limited grappling skill set.
He added that, despite all the mystique surrounding them, sambo athletes are just regular human beings – and as such, can be defeated:
I think everyone buys into the mystique of the Dagestani sambo guys, you know what I mean? Everyone.
Very rarely have you seen them cracked or put in bad positions, or anything.So I think, as much as you want to believe they’re just human beings when you’re going in there, you have to really feel that and experience that to realize that.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
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.
