Two-time ADCC world championship medallist Craig Jones had high praise for the grappling skills of newly crowned UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. There is no doubt that Makhachev possesses credible striking skills, but it is the Dagestani’s grappling prowess that has seen him roll through the lightweight division. Makhachev’s ability to get the fight to […]
Two-time ADCC world championship medallist Craig Jones had high praise for the grappling skills of newly crowned UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
There is no doubt that Makhachev possesses credible striking skills, but it is the Dagestani’s grappling prowess that has seen him roll through the lightweight division. Makhachev’s ability to get the fight to the ground and maintain top control has seen him stop his past five opponents, including submitting Charles Oliveira, who holds the UFC’s record for most submissions.
Craig Jones, who is amongst some of the best grapplers in the world, would credit Makhachev and his system of grappling that he and others from that part of the world use.
“I honestly agree when Makhachev says a lot of people deserve to have their black belts taken away,” Jones said. “I kind of agree with that. I think what those guys are doing is sort of superior to what we’ve been doing for a long time. Cause we build and entire sport around conceding bottom position.
“I’m not one of those guys that says we should grapple with people who ae striking us, but I believe we should grapple as if the top guy knows how to pass and pin,” he added. “A lot of guys don’t mind being on bottom because they’ve never rolled with a guy that knows how to pass guard or pin someone. So they don’t know how fatiguing and horrible it is.”
Jones would continue, saying that Makhachev’s style is a nightmare for some traditional BJJ athletes.
“Everyone thinks they’re good at guard until they come across a guy that really can pass well,” Jones said. “And then suddenly they think, ‘**t. I’d rather be standing, I’d rather be on top.’ But they don’t know to get there and if they do they don’t know how to hold someone down.
“I think Makhachev’s grappling is superior to what a lot of the traditional jiu-jitsu guys do, cause they don’t know how to hold someone down. They have no idea how to do it. So, we really gotta reverse engineer what Makhachev’s doing, which I’ve been trying to do on top, and then I’m trying to teach these guys how to do it so I can practice doing it on bottom.”
Sean Brady had an impressive year with the UFC picking up two wins in 2021 including a decision victory over Welterweight contender Michael Chiesa. It appears his success has transferred over to Fury Grappling as well as he was able to secure the upset victory over Craig Jones at last night’s competition. Neither of the […]
Sean Brady had an impressive year with the UFC picking up two wins in 2021 including a decision victory over Welterweight contender Michael Chiesa. It appears his success has transferred over to Fury Grappling as well as he was able to secure the upset victory over Craig Jones at last night’s competition.
Neither of the two was able to secure takedowns, sweeps, passes, or submission attempts during the bout. Jones was also having to compete without being able to use his wide-range skillset as Fury Grappling 3’s rules didn’t allow for heel hooks in matchups against UFC athletes.
Brady, who was competing in his hometown of Philadelphia, spoke to his local fans following on from his victory.
“Craig’s the best grappler in the world, you know. I’m a jiu-jitsu guy but I’m a MMA guy, too. So, I just wanted to use my pressure, use my top game…. I’m so happy to be here in front of my fans in Philly. No matter what, Craig Jones is great, but I wasn’t losing in my hometown. “ (transcribed by the JiuJitsutimes)
What’s next for Sean Brady?
There is some hype building around Brady, maybe even not quite enough hype. Following on from his victory over Michael Chiesa, Brady earned himself the #9 slot in the welterweight rankings and now will be looking for his next opponent to begin his ascent to the top. Welterweight is running out of imminent contenders for current champion Kamaru Usman, so a big victory in his next bout could have a serious impact on his trajectory.
One matchup to consider is Belal Muhammad, coming off the back of a dominant performance over Stephen Thompson if Belal can’t secure a matchup against a top five-ranked opponent, stylistically these fighters would pair off nicely. Another option although less likely is Jorge Masvidal, given ‘Gamebred’ has already had two unsuccessful attempts at welterweight gold, his interest could now turn to take out some of the upcoming names in the division, and for Brady, if he were ever to get this fight it adds another experienced name onto his resume.
UFC veteran Donald Cerrone is set to face decorated grappler Craig Jones in a combat jiu-jitsu match on December 19th, in Mexico. Cerrone announced the matchup via his YouTube channel which was set up by BJJ legend, Eddie Bravo who is the creator of combat jiu jitsu. “Eddie bravo calls me to take a super […]
UFC veteran Donald Cerrone is set to face decorated grappler Craig Jones in a combat jiu-jitsu match on December 19th, in Mexico.
Cerrone announced the matchup via his YouTube channel which was set up by BJJ legend, Eddie Bravo who is the creator of combat jiu jitsu.
“Eddie bravo calls me to take a super fight, against hands down the baddest jiu-jitsu artist around right now” Cerrone stated. Its hard to find someone to emulate his game, he’s one of the best if not hands down one of the best especially leg logs and his rear naked game very impressive. Cancun, December 19th against Craig Jones. This isn’t like just stepping in and doing a little grappling tournament. This is going to the top should be fun.”
Cerrone last competed in the UFC in May of 2021 in a losing battle which marked his sixth loss in a row. Although ‘Cowboy’ did snag a win in a grappling match against Rafael dos Anjos in December of 2020 by armbar.
Donald Cerrone Is Jumping In At The Deep End Against Craig Jones
‘Cowboy’ will again add another notable name to his legendary resume. Jones is a black belt under Lachlan Giles who has worked extensively with John Danaher as part of the notorious Danaher Death Squad. Jones is also an IBJJF World No-GI Champion, ADCC Trials champion, and a champion under the Polaris invitational champion, cementing him as one of the best grapplers of his generation.
Cerrone is no slouch on the ground either, a talented wrestler and black belt under Eliot Marshall. The American is also second all-time in UFC submission finishes, with 16.
The Colorado native seems to be excited about the new adventure stating.
“Going in and competing of the best there is, to me that’s unbelievable, you know it’s like when I did the last one I got to go in there and roll with dos Anjos like of course I’m gonna take that.”
When asked if this excites him more than a UFC fight, Cerrone replied, “Right now I am sure, for sure I am, I don’t know its just different” (Transcribed by Bloody Elbow)
What do you think? How will Donald Cerrone do against Craig Jones?
DOB: July 17th, 1991 Nickname: N/A Gym: The B Team Location: Austin, TX Martial Arts Records: 51-16(BJJ) Championships: Polaris BJJ 205lb and 185lb Champion, IBJJf World Champion(purple belt). ADCC Silver Medalist Craig Jones discovers Jiu Jitsu Craig Jones was born in Adelaide, South Australia and did everything a normal Australian kid does. Staying active and […]
DOB: July 17th, 1991
Nickname: N/A
Gym: The B Team
Location: Austin, TX
Martial Arts Records: 51-16(BJJ)
Championships: Polaris BJJ 205lb and 185lb Champion, IBJJf World Champion(purple belt). ADCC Silver Medalist
Craig Jones discovers Jiu Jitsu
Craig Jones was born in Adelaide, South Australia and did everything a normal Australian kid does. Staying active and playing different sports from futebol to rugby.
His first exposure to martial arts was at a very early age. Training in both Taekwondo and Judo at a very young age.
Jones wouldn’t get into Jiu Jitsu until he was fifteen years old training under his cousin Matt Jones. Being a Jiu Jitsu athlete really wasn’t a thought at the time, but Craig was a big MMA fan. Initially getting into Jiu Jitsu with the idea of becoming a fighter later on.
At the time, Jiu Jitsu was nowhere as big as it is now in Australia. Where Craig lived, there weren’t very many BJJ tournaments, but he competed when he could.
Even with a limited amount of tournaments he could compete in, Craig Jones would find success early on. Becoming one of the more known lower belts at the time.
This led Craig to start having more aspirations within Jiu Jitsu.
Craig Jones joins Absolute MMA
After having successful runs at white and blue belt, Matt Jones would give Craig his purple belt. He would then spend a vacation in the United States, where he decided to compete in tournaments while visiting.
Jones was shocked to see how popular Jiu Jitsu was becoming on the other side of the world. Realizing that he could possibly make a career out of competing.
Upon returning to Australia, Craig would decide to move to Melbourne, where there were more opportunities for him in Jiu Jitsu.
In Melbourne, Jones would begin training with Lachlan Giles at Maromba Academy.(Renamed Absolute MMA after Jones moved.)
Being at a more competitive gym took Craig’s Jiu Jitsu to the next level. Going on a tear through to become the best purple belt in Australia.
Then at the 2015 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship, Jones would prove that he was the best purple belt in the world. Winning his one and currently only world championship.
Craig Jones gets promoted to black belt
With his phenomenal performance at the No-Gi Worlds, Lachlan Giles would promote Craig to brown belt. It wouldn’t be a long stay at the brown belt rank for Jones.
He would become a coach at Absolute MMA after becoming a brown and only spend a year at this rank. Giles quickly realized that Jones was already at a black belt level and promoted him to black belt in 2016.
Now that he was a black belt, Jones was ready to take on the best in the world.
Craig Jones debut at EBI 11
The BJJ world would find out who Craig Jones is in 2017. He would get a spot on the EBI 11 tournament in the 77 kg division.
Going into the tournament, Craig was relatively unknown, but everyone would know who he was after. Displaying a high level leg lock game that at the time was only being done by members of the DDS.
His first match would be against 10th Planet standout and tournament favorite Nathan Orchard. Craig would slide under Orchard and lock in a heel hook in the first 15 seconds of the match.
One of the quickest finishes in EBI history. Then in his second match against Darragh O’Conaill, Jones would lock in a quick kneebar to punch his ticket to the finals.
At the finals, he would meet UFC vet Vagner Rocha and they would have a battle. Neither competitor won in regulation, so it went to EBI overtime rules.
Wagner was able to win in overtime to become the tournament winner. Even though Craig Jones lost in the finals, the BJJ community had taken notice of the Australian grappler and his abilities.
Craig Jones’ ADCC debut
If the BJJ world didn’t take notice of Craig Jones after his EBI 11 performance, they would at ADCC 2017. He qualified for the 88 kg division, which was stacked with multiple world champions.
His first match would be against reigning IBJJF champion Leandro Lo, who was heavily favored to win gold. Craig would once again shock the world and submit Lo with an RNC.
Then in the second round, Jones would face another former world champion in Murilo Santana. In this match, Jones would land a flying triangle that many considered the submission of the tournament.
Unfortunately for Craig, he would lose to Keenan Cornelius in the semi finals. Then he would drop the bronze medal match to Alexandre Ribeiro.
Jones would then take part in the absolute division and would have two more matches. First beating Chael Sonnen by heel hook and then losing to Gordon Ryan by kesa-gatame.
Craig Jones’ pro circuit run(2017-2019)
After coming up short at his first ADCC event, Jones was one of the busiest grapplers on the pro circuit. Competing in 4 more competitions to wrap up his 2017.
Winning a match at Submission Underground before making his second EBI appearance at EBI 14. At his second EBI tournament it would be more of the same from the Australian grappler.
Getting 3 quick inside heel hooks to meet Gordon Ryan in the tournament finals. In the finals, Ryan would edge out Jones in OT.
In 2018, Jones would compete for the promotions Polaris, Quintet, Kasai Pro, Boa Super, Spider Invitational, and Grapple Fest. Going 14-4-1 to wrap up his 2018.
Then in 2019 leading up to his second ADCC appearance, Craig would stay busy as usual. Going 9-2-1 in preparation for that year’s ADCC event.
Craig Jones moves to the US
Since Craig is one of the most active professional grapplers, he is frequently on the road. This would make it hard for him to go back to his home in Australia and then travel back to the US.
So, Jones made the difficult choice of relocating to the US. This way, he wouldn’t have to travel nearly as far to make it to his competitions. During this time, he really didn’t have a home gym in the US and would train, where he traveled.
Craig Jones’ ADCC 2019
Craig Jones’s performance in the ADCC 2019 would be his best ADCC performance to date. He would compete in the 88 kg division and would go 3-1.
Beating Ben Dyson, Maso Fowler, and Jon Blank all by submission. Setting him up to face Matheus Diniz in the finals.
The two had faced each other before with Jones winning a decision, but Diniz would win the 2nd match 2-0. Earning Jones a silver medal.
Craig Jones joins the DDS
After spending the last year or more being a nomad of Jiu Jitsu, Jones finally found a new home. He would join the Danaher Death Squad and train with them in Renzo Gracie’s blue basement.
This would bring one of the best leg lock experts together with the other best leg lock experts in the world.
Craig Jones’ 2020-2021 run
Even with a pandemic shutting down most of the world, this didn’t stop Craig Jones from competing. He would compete primarily on Submission Underground events and the Austin, TX based Who’s #1 promotion.
In 9 Submission Underground events, Craig would go 9-2. Most notably damaging Vinny Magalhaes after Vinny made the statement leg locks don’t work after beating Gordon Ryan.
The DDS moves to Puerto Rico
In a big move that shocked the Jiu Jitsu world, John Danaher and his squad moved out of Renzo Gracie’s Academy. Setting up shop on the island of Puerto Rico.
The initial idea was to attract the biggest names in Jiu Jitsu like Craig Jones to the island. DDS wanted to be a hub for the world’s best grapplers to come to the island and train together.
The DDS breakup and formation of the B team
Shortly after the move to Puerto Rico was a failure, DDS would move to Austin, TX. Although it was announced by John Danaher that the DDS were going their separate ways on Instagram.
He, Gordon Ryan, and Garry Tonon would open their own gym. Craig Jones, Nicky Ryan, Nick Rodriguez, and Ethan Crelinstein would open their own school and call it The B Team.
Oddly enough both gyms are located in Austin, Texas and only a short distance from one another.
Craig Jones’ legacy
At 31, Craig Jones is at the prime of his career and has only begun to build his legacy. Since 2017, he has been one of the most active competitors in all of Jiu Jitsu.
Now that he has co-founded his own gym, Jones is ready to continue making his mark in pro grappling. Going forward, he’ll be looking to add more wins and titles to his resume.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner Craig Jones is set to put his career on the line as he travels to Los Angeles to take on Gabi Garcia in an intergender grappling match. Garcia has been pursuing an intergender match-up for some time now. The Brazilian called out Gordon Ryan in the aftermath of her loss […]
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner Craig Jones is set to put his career on the line as he travels to Los Angeles to take on Gabi Garcia in an intergender grappling match.
Garcia has been pursuing an intergender match-up for some time now.
The Brazilian called out Gordon Ryan in the aftermath of her loss to Nathiely De Jesus earlier this year.
“Gordon, any time man,“ Garcia said. “I think it is an easy fight against you than against these girls, they’re small and it’s hard for me, but against you… Let’s go man…” (Transcribed by Attack The Back)
Ryan is set to face former UFC fighter Vagner Rocha and #1 ranked middleweight grappler Vagner Rocha next. The pair previously fought to a draw in 2016. Ryan has also recently signed with ONE Championship and is likely to step into MMA into the near future, meaning his calendar is full.
Garcia, despite failing to get her top target has secured a big name for the intergender match-up.
Craig Jones took to Instagram to announce he is about to travel to face Garcia and will put his career on the line when doing so.
“Sunday, flying into LA to fight Gabi Garcia,” Craig Jones said. “We’ll do a no time limit match in her gym and we’ll stream that free, supposedly, yeah. 100-percent [it’s happening]. Hopefully [it goes] well for me (laughs). Otherwise, if I lose I’ll retire. If I lose to Gabi I’ll retire. Just no time limit, sub only. Obviously, a lot of people think it’s a joke, but just because of the interest we thought why not? Jump in. Flo Grappling wouldn’t touch it but we’ll stream it free.” (Transcribed by BJPENN.com)
Who do you think will emerge victorious from this sub-only intergender grappling match? Craig Jones or Gabi Garcia
Competitive grappling over at Submission Underground just got a lot more interesting. The promotion, ran by former UFC and Bellator star Chael Sonnen, just wrapped up Submission Underground 10 this past weekend. During the show, Craig Jones defeated UFC star Gilbert Burns. Shortly after the match, Jones discussed what was next for him, suggesting taking on […]
Competitive grappling over at Submission Underground just got a lot more interesting.
The promotion, ran by former UFC and Bellator star Chael Sonnen, just wrapped up Submission Underground 10 this past weekend. During the show, Craig Jones defeated UFC star Gilbert Burns. Shortly after the match, Jones discussed what was next for him, suggesting taking on the tag team grappling division of Submission Underground. Jones wants to team up with his teammate and one of the world’s best grapplers in Gordon Ryan. (H/T MMA Junkie)
“What’s next for me? Those tag-team matches look pretty fun,” Jones said. “I’m going to try to twist Gordon’s arm, but that’s a hard thing to do!”
Sonnen seemed to like that idea very much and even threw some money down on the line, offering up $25,000 to any team who could pick up a win over the dynamic duo of Jones and Ryan.
“Should that happen I will personally give $25,000 to any tag team alive that can come in and beat these guys,” Sonnen said.
Ryan, who submitted former UFC heavyweight title challenger Gabriel Gonzaga that night, was then asked about the prospect of doing tag team grappling with Jones. He seemed very open to the idea.
“Yeah, for sure. Tag-team matches have been picking up some steam, and there’s nobody better to do it with than Craig,” said Ryan. “So if everything works out properly then, yeah, I’m in for sure.”
Do you think there’s a team out there who can beat the team of Ryan and Craig?
Sean Brady had an impressive year with the UFC picking up two wins in 2021 including a decision victory over Welterweight contender Michael Chiesa. It appears his success has transferred over to Fury Grappling as well as he was able to secure the upset victory over Craig Jones at last night’s competition. Neither of the […]
UFC veteran Donald Cerrone is set to face decorated grappler Craig Jones in a combat jiu-jitsu match on December 19th, in Mexico. Cerrone announced the matchup via his YouTube channel which was set up by BJJ legend, Eddie Bravo who is the creator of combat jiu jitsu. “Eddie bravo calls me to take a super […]
DOB: July 17th, 1991 Nickname: N/A Gym: The B Team Location: Austin, TX Martial Arts Records: 51-16(BJJ) Championships: Polaris BJJ 205lb and 185lb Champion, IBJJf World Champion(purple belt). ADCC Silver Medalist Craig Jones discovers Jiu Jitsu Craig Jones was born in Adelaide, South Australia and did everything a normal Australian kid does. Staying active and […]
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner Craig Jones is set to put his career on the line as he travels to Los Angeles to take on Gabi Garcia in an intergender grappling match. Garcia has been pursuing an intergender match-up for some time now. The Brazilian called out Gordon Ryan in the aftermath of her loss […]