Fighting A Woman For $1M, Ukraine War & Gordon Ryan - Craig Jones

Added: Jun 4, 2024

The Origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its Appeal:

Jones delves into the origins of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, highlighting how it attracts individuals who may have been bullied and seek empowerment through the sport. He also mentioned the complexity of the sport and the dedication of its practitioners, who take their training very seriously. Despite the intense focus on technique and competition, Jones humorously points out the awkward and intimate nature of grappling with another person, emphasizing the need to embrace the quirks of the sport.

The Craig Jones Invitational Tournament

Jones revealed his plans for the Craig Jones Invitational tournament, where he aims to disrupt the traditional BJJ competition scene by offering a substantial prize purse of one million dollars divided between two weight divisions. The tournament's significant prize money contrasts with the relatively modest earnings in traditional BJJ competitions, sparking interest and controversy within the BJJ community. He emphasizes the importance of compensating athletes fairly and providing a platform for them to showcase their skills while also injecting humor and entertainment into the sport.

Challenges Faced by BJJ Athletes

The podcast touches on the financial struggles faced by many BJJ athletes, despite the sport's growing popularity. Jones highlights the disparity between the financial rewards in BJJ compared to other combat sports like MMA, where athletes can earn substantial sums. He emphasizes the need for athletes to secure their financial future, especially considering the physical demands and limited career span in combat sports.

Controversy Surrounding ADCC

Jones discusses the prestigious ADCC competition and the controversy surrounding his decision to host a competing event with a significantly larger prize purse. He shares insights into the motivations behind athletes choosing to forego ADCC in favor of the Craig Jones Invitational, citing the allure of the million-dollar prize and the potential for greater exposure and financial gain.

The Craig Jones vs. Gabi Garcia Match

The podcast focuses on the highly anticipated match between Craig Jones and Gabi Garcia. Jones humorously recounted the origins of the match, including an arm wrestling contest and playful banter leading up to the showdown. The rule set for the match is discussed, emphasizing a format that appeals to both BJJ and MMA audiences while maintaining the essence of grappling competition.

Traveling

Jones discusses his extensive travels over the past few months, visiting countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Poland, Ukraine, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and the UAE. One of the most interesting places he visited was Ukraine, where he organized a seminar to raise money for soldiers. The soldiers in Ukraine have to self-fund a lot of their basic equipment, despite receiving weapons from various sources. He wanted to support these soldiers and see firsthand what was happening on the ground.

Supporting Ukrainian Soldiers

The seminar in Ukraine was a success, with 250 people attending and all the money raised being donated to the Ukrainian soldiers. Jones also visited a village that had been taken by Russians and later liberated by Ukraine. He got to go 7 km from the Russian offensive and witnessed the damage caused by the conflict. Despite being in a war zone, life in the city continued, and the Ukrainians showed resilience and determination to carry on with their daily lives.

The atmosphere in Ukraine was intense, with missiles being shot at key locations and the constant threat of attacks. Jones experienced a missile being shot down close to his hotel, causing the building to shake. He expresses his emotional attachment to the people he met in Ukraine and the impact the conflict has had on him. He shares stories of personal connections with soldiers and civilians, highlighting the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. He also touches on the challenges of balancing support for different causes, such as Ukraine and Palestine, in the public eye.

Visiting Chernobyl

Jones also visited Chernobyl, where he saw the abandoned town, the reactor, and a massive radio signal blocker. He describes the eerie atmosphere of the area, with bullet holes from recent fighting adding to the sense of danger. He reflects on the impact of the conflict on the people of Ukraine and the importance of continued support from countries like the US.

Horse Fighting in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, Jones explores the unique sport of horse fighting, where riders compete to throw a goat carcass into a designated area. Despite the dangerous nature of the sport, with riders and horses at risk of injury, he found the experience both thrilling and tense. He also discusses the cultural impact of the movie "Borat" on Kazakhstan and how the tourism board has since embraced the attention, using it as a marketing opportunity.

Future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Jones also touches on the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, noting the rise of younger talents like Mikey Gall, the Ruotolo Brothers, and other promising fighters. He discusses the shift in focus towards lighter weight divisions where younger competitors are already making a mark in the sport. He expresses his admiration for the new generation of fighters and their potential to dominate the Jiu-Jitsu scene in the coming years.

Fair Fight Foundation

Jones shares his vision for the Fair Fight Foundation, which aims to support Jiu-Jitsu development in underserved communities and countries. He talks about his role as a Jiu-Jitsu missionary, traveling to places where the sport is not as prominent and working to spread awareness and training opportunities. He highlights the importance of giving back to the Jiu-Jitsu community and using his platform to make a positive impact on a global scale.