Craig Jones Invitational - A New Era In Grappling
Imagine a world where athletes in combat sports get paid what they're truly worth, and at the same time, good causes get a helping hand. Well, that's exactly what a group called Seconds, a non-profit organization, is working to achieve. They're all about making the sport better for those who compete, making sure they get fair compensation, and also bringing in money for charities. It's a pretty big idea, and one of their main ways of doing this is through something called the Craig Jones Invitational, or CJI for short, which is a very special kind of event that brings together some serious talent.
This particular gathering, the Craig Jones Invitational, is put on by the Fair Fight Foundation, and it really does offer some amazing prizes for the people who take part. To give you an idea, the smallest amount of money someone can win is $10,001, which is quite a sum for a prize purse. So, it's not just about the competition itself, but also about giving back to the athletes in a way that truly supports them and their careers. You know, it's about putting the athletes first, which is something many people appreciate.
The Craig Jones Invitational is, at its heart, a submission grappling competition, and it's put together by the well-known grappler himself, Craig Jones. What makes this event stand out, really, is the prize money. We are talking about a million dollars for the winner of each weight division, which is, honestly, a staggering amount in the world of grappling. This kind of prize money certainly draws in the very best competitors from all over, looking to test their skills and perhaps even change their lives. It's a rather bold move for the sport.
Table of Contents
- Who is Craig Jones - The Mind Behind the Craig Jones Invitational?
- What Makes the Craig Jones Invitational Stand Out?
- How Did the First Craig Jones Invitational Unfold?
- What About the Future of the Craig Jones Invitational?
- How to Watch the Craig Jones Invitational
- The Big Names and the Money at the Craig Jones Invitational
- What Was the Controversy Around the Craig Jones Invitational?
- Where Did the Craig Jones Invitational Take Place?
Who is Craig Jones - The Mind Behind the Craig Jones Invitational?
Craig Jones, the person who organized this big grappling competition, is someone quite well-known in the world of combat sports. He's been a prominent figure, for instance, in the mixed martial arts scene for quite some time. Since 2009, he has been at the helm of MMA Fighting, a respected source for news and information in that area. So, he has a long history of being involved with and leading significant efforts within the fighting community.
Beyond his work with MMA Fighting, Craig Jones is also recognized as one of the most popular and skilled grapplers on the planet. When he decided to step into the role of promoting events, he didn't start small, which is pretty clear from the scale of the Craig Jones Invitational. He went for something big right away, making a strong statement in the jiu jitsu world. It's almost as if he wanted to make a splash from the very beginning, and he certainly did.
His background as a top-tier competitor, combined with his experience leading a major media outlet, gives him a unique perspective on what athletes need and what fans want to see. This combination, you know, likely helped shape the vision for the Craig Jones Invitational into what it became. It's not every day you see someone with that kind of dual experience putting on an event of this magnitude.
Personal Details and Background
| Name | Craig Jones |
| Role in Craig Jones Invitational | Organizer |
| Known For | Elite Grappler, Leading MMA Fighting |
| Involved with MMA Fighting Since | 2009 |
What Makes the Craig Jones Invitational Stand Out?
The Craig Jones Invitational, or CJI, is a submission grappling event that truly aims to be different, and it does so in a few key ways. For one thing, it's organized by Craig Jones himself, a well-regarded figure in the grappling world, which gives it a certain level of credibility and excitement. But what really sets it apart, in a big way, is the money involved. We are talking about a cool million dollars for the winner of each weight class, which is, frankly, a sum of money that can change lives for the athletes who earn it. This kind of financial reward is quite rare in the sport, making the stakes incredibly high for everyone involved.
Beyond the financial aspect, the event also has a clear mission, which is supported by Seconds, a non-profit group. Their aim is to bring up the standing of the sport and the compensation for athletes, all while gathering funds for good causes. So, it's not just about who wins, but also about making a positive impact on the sport as a whole and helping others in need. This dual purpose, you know, gives the Craig Jones Invitational a deeper meaning beyond just the competition.
The way the event is put together also makes it special. The first time it happened, in 2024, it included intergender and women's superfights, which is a move that shows a commitment to inclusion and showcasing a wider range of talent. Then, for the second time around in 2025, there are plans for a team format, which will add a whole new layer of strategy and excitement to the matches. These sorts of format changes, honestly, keep things fresh and interesting for both the competitors and the people watching.
What Kind of Matches Did the Craig Jones Invitational Feature?
The first time the Craig Jones Invitational happened, in 2024, it certainly had some interesting match-ups. It wasn't just your standard grappling tournament; they made sure to include special fights that drew a lot of attention. For example, there were intergender matches, which are not something you see every day in this sport, and also dedicated women's superfights. This really helped to show off a broad range of talent and different styles of grappling.
These special fights, or superfights, are often where some of the most anticipated matchups happen, pitting well-known athletes against each other in one-off contests. The inaugural Craig Jones Invitational had two of these kinds of matches, and it looks like the second event in 2025 will have at least that many, if not more. As those special fights get officially announced, you know, they'll be added to the list of competitors for everyone to see. It's a way to keep the excitement building.
The event also broke down the main competition into different weight categories, specifically under 80 kilograms and over 80 kilograms. For these divisions, people could check out the brackets, the rules that were in place, and some of the best matches that happened. This structure, in a way, made it easy for fans to follow along and understand how the tournament was progressing, and who was doing well.
How Did the First Craig Jones Invitational Unfold?
The first ever Craig Jones Invitational took place in 2024, and it was quite an event, really. It happened in Las Vegas, Nevada, a city known for hosting big spectacles. The dates were August 16th and 17th. This event, which some people just call CJI, made quite a splash right from the start. It was, in some respects, a very ambitious first outing for Craig Jones as a promoter in the jiu jitsu world.
The whole thing was put on by the Fair Fight Foundation, and it was designed to be a major competitor to other well-established grappling events, like the ADCC tournament. In fact, the Craig Jones Invitational was intentionally scheduled for the very same weekend and in the same city as ADCC. This move, you know, created a lot of buzz and showed that Craig Jones was serious about making his mark. It was a direct challenge, in a way.
From the moment it kicked off, the event started setting records. It was, as a matter of fact, the highest-paying jiu jitsu event of all time in 2024, and it also became the most watched. This really helped the mission of the foundation, which is all about making the sport better and giving athletes more opportunities. The first day of the Craig Jones Invitational, on August 16th, started at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, and the second day began at 8 p.m. It was quite a schedule for everyone involved.
What Were the Results of the Inaugural Craig Jones Invitational?
The 2024 Craig Jones Invitational came to a truly remarkable end. When the final matches were done, it wasn't just about who won; it was about history being made. Two of the sport's most talented individuals actually became millionaires that night, which is a pretty incredible outcome for any grappling competition. The event itself, as a whole, went down in the record books as one of the most significant moments in jiu jitsu.
Specifically, Nicky Rod and Kade Ruotolo were the athletes who really shone during this first Craig Jones Invitational. They were, in a way, the stars of the show. Nicky Rod took home the million dollars after winning the over 80kg tournament, and Kade Ruotolo did the same in the under 80kg division. They each walked away with a million dollars, which is, honestly, an astonishing reward for their hard work and skill. These quick results from Day 2 certainly left a lasting impression on the sport.
The official brackets for both the under and over 80kg tournaments had been released just before the event, and Craig Jones himself actually handled the draw, adding a personal touch to the whole process. This level of transparency and involvement from the organizer, you know, probably made the competitors feel more connected to the event. The atmosphere at the Thomas & Mack Center, where it all happened, must have been electric, with so much on the line.
What About the Future of the Craig Jones Invitational?
Looking ahead, the Craig Jones Invitational, or CJI, is set to make a return in 2025, and it promises to bring some fresh ideas to the table. After its big debut in 2024, the organizers are really pushing for more new concepts, and perhaps even a bit more discussion. It's going to be another spectacle in Las Vegas, featuring a group of grappling talent that is sure to bring a lot of excitement. They are, so to speak, doubling down on what made the first event so memorable.
The plans for the second edition, scheduled for 2025, include a team format, which is a shift from the individual competition of the first year. This will mean that fans will get to see confirmed teams, and the first lineup for teams like 10th Planet has already been mentioned. This change in format, you know, could lead to some very interesting strategies and team dynamics during the matches. It's a way to keep the event feeling new and exciting.
There will also be more superfights announced by Jones for the 2025 event, building on the success of the two amazing superfights from the first Craig Jones Invitational. These special matches are always a big draw, bringing together top athletes for one-on-one contests that everyone wants to see. So, you can expect more of those thrilling matchups in the next installment of the Craig Jones Invitational.
How to Watch the Craig Jones Invitational
One of the things that makes the Craig Jones Invitational quite accessible is how it's broadcast. For instance, the event is available to watch for free on YouTube, which means a lot of people can tune in without having to pay a fee. This choice, you know, really opens up the sport to a wider audience, allowing more fans to experience the high-level grappling and the excitement of the competition. It's a very fan-friendly approach.
People who want to stay updated on the latest news, like confirmed athletes and other announcements, can often find information on social media. For example, the source text mentions viewing posts on Instagram, which is a common way for promotions to share updates and connect with their audience. So, if you're looking for the full competitor list as athletes are announced, that's a good place to keep an eye on. They are, in a way, trying to keep everyone in the loop.
The timing of the event is also set up for people to follow along. The first day of the Craig Jones Invitational on August 16th starts at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, and the second day begins at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Knowing these times helps people plan when to tune in, whether they're watching live or catching up later. It's pretty clear that they want to make it as easy as possible for fans to be a part of the action.
The Big Names and the Money at the Craig Jones Invitational
The Craig Jones Invitational certainly drew in some very big names, especially for its first event. When you have a million dollars on the line for each weight division, you tend to attract the best of the best. This kind of prize money, you know, sets a new standard for athlete compensation in submission grappling, which is a core part of the mission of Seconds, the non-profit group involved. It's about giving athletes a real chance to earn a life-changing amount of money for their skills.
The inaugural event saw two particular athletes rise to the occasion and claim those massive prizes. Nicky Rod and Kade Ruotolo were the standout performers, each taking home a million dollars. Nicky Rod won the over 80kg tournament, showing his strength and technique, while Kade Ruotolo secured the victory in the under 80kg division. Their wins, honestly, underscored the high level of talent present at the Craig Jones Invitational and the incredible rewards available.
The event itself was designed to make a statement about athlete compensation, with a minimum prize purse of $10,001. This shows a commitment to paying competitors well, even those who don't reach the very top. The fact that it broke records in 2024 as the highest-paying and most watched jiu jitsu event of all time speaks volumes about its impact. It's clear that the Craig Jones Invitational is making a significant mark on how athletes are valued in the sport.
What Was the Controversy Around the Craig Jones Invitational?
The Craig Jones Invitational, while making a big splash, also found itself at the center of some discussion, particularly around the absence of a certain well-known grappler. The source text mentions learning about the controversy surrounding Gordon Ryan's absence, which, you know, can often generate a lot of talk among fans and within the grappling community. When a prominent figure isn't part of a major event, people tend to wonder why.
This kind of discussion, in a way, can add to the overall buzz around an event, even if it's about something that didn't happen. It gets people talking and speculating, which can keep the event in the public eye. The fact that the Craig Jones Invitational was intentionally held on the same weekend and in the same city as the ADCC tournament also contributed to the conversations and comparisons, setting up a direct rivalry in the minds of many.
The event's explosive debut in 2024 was followed by plans for 2025 that are "doubling down on innovation—and controversy," according to the provided text. This suggests that the organizers are not shying away from creating discussion, and perhaps even welcome it, as a way to keep the Craig Jones Invitational relevant and exciting. It's a bold strategy, but one that certainly gets people to pay attention.
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