Craig Jones: The Grappling Phenom Redefining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Background in BJJ
Craig Jones, born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, Australia, has rapidly risen to become one of the most influential and recognized figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Starting his journey in grappling relatively late compared to his peers, Jones began training in BJJ at the age of 15. Under the tutelage of various instructors, including Lachlan Giles, Jones honed his skills, focusing primarily on the competitive aspects of the sport. His dedication and passion for BJJ led him to earn his black belt in a remarkably short period, showcasing his exceptional talent and understanding of the art.
Competition Record
Craig Jones’ competition record is nothing short of impressive. He gained international fame at the 2017 ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Championships, where he shocked the BJJ community by submitting the renowned Leandro Lo and making it to the semifinals. This performance established him as a formidable competitor on the world stage. Over the years, Jones has collected numerous accolades, including victories at Polaris, EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational), and GrappleFest. His aggressive and dynamic grappling style, particularly his proficiency with leg locks, has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous submission artists in the sport.
Personal Life
Beyond the mats, Craig Jones is known for his charismatic personality and sense of humor, which have endeared him to fans worldwide. He often shares insights into his training routines, travel adventures, and personal life through social media, providing a glimpse into the life of a professional grappler. Jones’ approachable demeanor and candidness have helped demystify the world of elite BJJ, making it more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
Craig Jones Instructionals on BJJ Fanatics
Jones has also made a significant impact on the competition mats through his instructional videos on BJJ Fanatics. These instructional series cover a wide range of techniques and concepts, from his famous leg lock system to guard passing and escapes. His ability to break down complex techniques into easily understandable segments has made his instructionals immensely popular among practitioners of all levels. By sharing his knowledge, Jones has helped countless grapplers enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
The Split with the DDS
One of the most notable events in Craig Jones’ career was the dissolution of the Danaher Death Squad (DDS), the elite BJJ team led by renowned coach John Danaher. The split, which occurred in 2021, shocked the BJJ community as DDS had been one of the most successful and influential teams in the sport. Following the breakup, Jones, along with several other former DDS members, formed a new team called the B-Team. This move allowed Jones and his teammates to create a training environment that reflected their philosophies and goals.
CJI and a New Paradigm in Grappling
Driven by frustration with athlete pay and the promotional status quo, Jones founded the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) in August 2024, held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. He guaranteed each competitor a minimum payout of $10,001, with two million-dollar grand prizes (for under-80 kg and over-80 kg divisions)—a first in BJJ history. The event streamed for free on YouTube and broke barriers for athlete compensation and accessibility.
For CJI 2, set for August 30–31, 2025, the model evolved. Rather than solo brackets, Jones adopted a team-based, Quintet-style format featuring eight teams of five grapplers battling for a $1 million prize. The event will also host a women’s tournament—the largest payout ever in women’s BJJ ($100,000)—and a superfight pitting Craig Jones against Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson. CJI 2 will remain free to watch on YouTube, despite production support from FloGrappling.
Learn more about the success of our article, Craig Jones Invitationals.
Retirement & the End of an Era
In July 2025, during an interview on *Morning Kombat*, Jones confirmed that his superfight at CJI 2—against Steveson—would likely be his final competitive match. He framed it as a forced break to recuperate from burnout and reflection on the relentless pace he’d maintained. Around the same time, he announced the closure and forthcoming rebranding of B-Team, acknowledging the impracticality of continuing amid his frequent absences. Wikipedia also confirms the retirement post-CJI 2.
In this podcast, Craig Jones discusses his retirement and the split of the B-team.
What This Means for Grappling
Craig Jones’s competitive exit marks the end of a seismic era in BJJ: from technical innovation and instructional influence to fan-first event promotion and athlete empowerment. CJI 2 promises both a triumphant farewell and a blueprint for a more athlete-centric future. Whether he returns, “comes back,” or vanishes remains part of the mystery he’s always maintained—one that will keep fans watching.
Conclusion
Craig Jones’ journey from a young grappler in Australia to a global BJJ icon is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport. Whether through his remarkable competition record, engaging instructional content, or groundbreaking initiatives, Jones continues to influence and inspire the BJJ community worldwide. As he forges ahead with new ventures and challenges, the grappling world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the career of this exceptional athlete.
