Craig Jones gives BJJ stars a million reasons not to sign with the UFC.
With the UFC signing Mikey Musumeci and looking to lock up more Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) stars, Craig Jones has reminded grapplers not to just rush in to signing exclusive deals.
The inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) last August provided the highest prize money ever in jiu-jitsu, as it crowned two new millionaires. With news of the UFC trying to sign up more stars, Jones is giving grapplers a million reasons to keep their options open.
“This weekend is your reminder not to sign any exclusive contracts,” Jones wrote as he posted a photo of himself lying down on a pile of cash.
Craig Jones then announced that CJI 2 will happen on August 2025.
“I’m here for a massive announcement. This announcement comes at a very important time, given the boring ass grappling events that went on this weekend. But I have received funding for CJI 2,” Jones said on Instagram. “I can confirm August 2025 in Las Vegas.”
Jones also posted a photo on his Instagram stories, showing over $17 million in his account as “proof” that funding for the second event is a go.
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The inaugural CJI event saw Kade Ruotolo and Nick Rodriguez receive $1 million each after winning 16-man tournaments at -80 kg and over 80 kg divisions, respectively. CJI matches also had three rounds with a 10-point must system for judging, as they tried to tap into the MMA fanbase.
Jones teased that CJI 2 could look very different.
“Get ready for a massive format change,” he wrote on the caption.
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