Chael Sonnen stepped in on short notice to replace Gable Steveson at Craig Jones Invitational 2 in Las Vegas – and gave the crowd a memorable spectacle against Craig Jones.
The match was set for three five-minute rounds, but Sonnen quickly found himself in trouble.
After taking Jones down, he was caught in a Buggy Choke and briefly went out.
And, once he regained his senses, both men agreed to continue.
Sonnen again took Jones to the mat, this time hunting for a Leg Lock, but the outcome was quite literally the same.
Jones locked in another Buggy Choke, and Sonnen once again went unconscious.
Referee John McCarthy couldn’t help but laugh as Sonnen asked for a “best three out of five” while fans cheered for more, but the match was officially called.
Watch the chokes and the other highlight reels from the match below.
Chael Sonnen Makes His Way To The CJI Pit.
“BEAT ME, IF YOU CAN.” pic.twitter.com/UEi3ykNCTc
— Lock-In Jiu-Jitsu (@lockinjiujitsu) September 1, 2025
CRAIG JONES puts Chael to SLEEEP 😴
via BUGGY choke!! #CJI2 (the 1st time) pic.twitter.com/SUjKttuPXW— The Fight Guy (@thefiteguy) September 1, 2025
HE DOES THE 2nd BUGGY CHOKE in the same round!! 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/nl123auajr
— The Fight Guy (@thefiteguy) September 1, 2025
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