The world of competitive grappling is set to witness a groundbreaking event as Craig Jones announces the second installment of the Craig Jones Invitational – CJI 2. This time, the tournament will feature an ambitious team-based format with eight elite squads competing for a $1 million prize.
Grappling’s Biggest Prize: CJI 2’s $1 Million Team Tournament
The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) is set to return with its second edition, promising to reshape the future of competitive grappling. The inaugural CJI event, held in 2023, left a lasting impact on the grappling community with its innovative approach and high-stakes competition.
Building on that success, CJI 2 aims to elevate the sport even further by introducing a team-based format, setting the stage for a thrilling and dynamic showdown. Scheduled to take place at the iconic Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, CJI 2 will feature eight elite teams battling it out in a quintet-style, last-man-standing format.
With a staggering $1 million prize on the line and an exciting competition format, this event is poised to be one of the most lucrative and highly anticipated tournaments in grappling history.
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Confirms Lineup for CJI 2
One of the most exciting aspects of CJI 2 is its team-based format, following the Quintet model, which brings a new level of strategy and camaraderie to the sport.
Teams composed of five athletes each will face off in a single-elimination tournament, with the goal of having the last man standing to secure victory for their team. Prominent academies such as Atos, New Wave, B-Team, Checkmat, Gracie Barra, and 10th Planet are expected to participate.
The first team to officially announce their lineup for CJI 2 is 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, a renowned academy known for its innovative techniques and formidable athletes. The 10th Planet team features an impressive roster:
- Geo Martinez: The veteran competitor of the bunch, with the most unpredictable, submission-orientated, and aggressive style of the bunch.
- Alan Sanchez: Two-time EBI welterweight champion known for his submission prowess, ready to showcase his grappling skillset on a different platform. Will be fun to see his performance.
- PJ Barch: Arguably, the most versatile grappler with the most well-rounded skill set on this team. Not too exciting, but always very technical.
- Ryan Aitken: A rising star with a tenacious approach to competition. We expect Ryan to become the next 10P sensation.
- Kyle Boehm: No real big BJJ event can go without the participation of Boehm, a seasoned athlete with a wealth of experience and tactical acumen.
The team format not only highlights individual skills but also emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and adaptability. Each match in the tournament will test the grapplers’ ability to work together, cover each other’s weaknesses, and capitalize on their opponents’ vulnerabilities.
Top Pro Grapplers Excited for CJI Superfights “Craig Always Brings the Money”
Mackenzie Dern, one of the most popular female BJJ competitors of all time, has expressed her eagerness to return for CJI 2. After making waves in the grappling community by choosing to compete at the inaugural CJI instead of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) World Championships in 2024, Dern is keen on another CJI super fight, after losing in her first appearance to Ffion Davies.
Following her recent victory at UFC Fight Night 249, where she secured a third-round submission win over Amanda Ribas, Dern revealed that she received a message from UFC brass commending her performance and expressing interest in her participation in CJI 2.
“Definitely. (Craig Jones) always brings the money,” Dern said about her interest in being part of CJI 2 when asked about it.
“It’s a good show. I like how he brings the entertainment to Jiu-Jitsu. We kind of need that. I think it reaches a lot of different people, which is one of the reasons why I came to MMA: to try and spread jiu-jitsu to people who never even seen martial arts or practice martial arts.”
Dern’s decision to compete at CJI 2 highlights the growing crossover appeal between MMA and grappling, as well as the lucrative opportunities that events like CJI offer to top-tier athletes.
Danielle Kelly, the former ONE FC world grappling champion recently posted on her social media that there is no conflict if ONE contracted athletes want to compete in CJI, potentially hinting at her interest to appear in Craig Jones’ revolutionary pro-tournament.
Craig Jones Invitational 2: Grappling’s Most Lucrative Tournament
Enjoying the controversial effects his announcements have on the BJJ world, and always taking digs at Gordon Ryan and the adcc, Craig Jones remains focused on his vision for the event, aiming to provide better financial opportunities for athletes and push the boundaries of the sport.
CJI 2 represents a bold new chapter in the world of grappling, combining the excitement of team competition with the allure of a substantial prize. As the event approaches, fans and competitors alike eagerly await what promises to be a historic and unforgettable tournament.
Breaking: Craig Jones Reveals CJI 2 Date and Issues Warning to BJJ Athletes
Breaking: Craig Jones Reveals CJI 2 Date and Issues Warning to BJJ Athletes
