Preview: Craig Jones Invitational 2024

The highest paying tournament in BJJ history is almost here!

Aug 05, 2024

BJJ history will be made on August 16-17 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, USA. A no gi submission grappling tournament will be held where the winner is going home with a million dollar prize, the largest in grappling history.

The Craig Jones Invitational will be broadcast live and free on YouTube.

How did we get here?

Australian BJJ black belt Craig Jones was unhappy about fighter pay received for ADCC, the largest no gi grappling event in the world. At ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) the division winners earn themselves $10,000 USD. Craig created his own event, the Craig Jones Invitational. At CJI, on top of the division winners being paid a million, all CJI athletes will be paid $10,001 USD just for showing up and competing. That’s exactly $1 more than you earn for winning ADCC.

Also a $50,000 USD prize will be given for the best submission of the event.

Each division has 16 competitors. Division winners will have to win 4 matches against the best grapplers in the world to secure the million dollar grand prize. Below I break down the athletes and matches confirmed for CJI 2024.

Men under 80 kg

Andrew Tackett - 21 years old (USA)

Officially one of the first competitors to be announced for CJI back on May 24th 2024. He’s a very exciting grappler with awesome wrestling. Andrew Tackett won the ADCC West Coast Trials in 2024. That means he dropped out of ADCC in favor of CJI. Andrew Tackett is a BJJ black belt representing Checkmat BJJ out of Texas. Andrew is the brother of over 80kg CJI competitor, William Tackett.

Nicky Ryan - 23 years old (USA)

BJJ black belt under John Danaher and younger brother of the no gi GOAT, Gordon Ryan. Nicky has amazing leg locks and great wrestling takedowns. He left Danaher Death Squad to help create the B Team in 2021. Nicky Ryan placed 2nd at the ADCC East Coast Trials 2023 and was a confirmed invited ADCC 2024 athlete. It’s also well known that Nicky is good friends with Craig Jones. Nicky has really been shining in his latest competition matches over the past year including beating former ADCC world champion JT Torres by ankle lock submission. He’s someone that definitely could go home with the million dollars. Representing the B-Team out of Austin, Texas.

Jozef Chen - 20 years old (Taiwan)

The youngest competitor in CJI. The new kid on the B-Team. FloGrappling breakthrough athlete of the year 2023. Jozef Chen is one of the fastest rising stars in BJJ. Known for his takedowns and smooth guard passing. He won the 2024 ADCC European Trials before dropping out of the under 77kg division to compete at CJI. He is a tough matchup for anybody and a real threat to win. Recent matches vs. CJI competitors: won vs. Tommy Langaker, lost a decision to Tye Ruotolo and lost to Levi-Jones Leary by a single point.

Lucas ‘Hulk’ Barbosa - 32 years old (Brazil)

One of the most decorated athletes in the bracket. 4x IBJJF No Gi World Champion. 2018 IBJJF World Champion in the gi. 32-years old, 5 foot 10 inches tall. Lucas Barbosa will definitely have to cut weight to make the under 80kg (176 pounds) weight limit. At the last ADCC, Hulk took silver in the under 88kg (194 pounds) division. Hulk is a top player who loves to use his wrestling and judo throws. I was surprised to see him in the lower weight class at CJI. Representing team Atos.

Renato Canuto - 28 years old (Brazil)

One of the most exciting grapplers in the world. 2021 IBJJF World Champion. Former KASAI Champion. One of the best ADCC matches of all time vs. Garry Tonon. Holds a points victory vs. Nicky Ryan (5-0, ADCC 2022). His style is nonstop attacks with lots of flying armbars and triangles. BJJ black belt representing team Checkmat out of Las Vegas, USA. Canuto will be one of the smaller grapplers in this bracket. Don’t blink when he is competing. All of his matches are must see and very exciting to watch. Representing Hybrid Jiu-Jitsu.

Matheus Diniz - 31 years old (Brazil)

Nickname “King Kong”. 2019 ADCC World Champion. KASAI Pro Champion. One of top students of the legend, Marcelo Garcia. Diniz was the first ADCC Champion to officially leave ADCC in favor of CJI. He is a top player with heavy pressure. Most of his competitions have been at heavyweight or middleweight so he may have to drop significant weight to make the under 80kg (176 pounds) weight limit. Representing Alliance Marcelo Garcia.

Eoghan O’Flanagan - 28 years old (UK)

Considered one of the best grapplers in Europe. Eoghan (it’s said like “Owen”) O’Flanagan made a name for himself at ADCC 2022 defeating former World Champion, Xande Ribeiro. He is known as more of a bottom player and a big leg locker with a huge following on YouTube. The only UK athlete in the bracket. Representing New School BJJ.

Thank you for reading Hot Off The Presley. This post is public so feel free to share it.

Tommy Langaker - 30 years old (Norway)

The viking from Norway. IBJJF no gi world champion. Tommy Langaker has an insane guard. He is one of the most flexible people I have ever seen. His matrix back take technique was extremely popular in gi BJJ post-2020. Known as more of a gi competitor, Tommy has shifted his focus more to no gi over the last few years. Langaker lost in the opening round of ADCC 2022 to PJ Barch. He has victories over Oliver Taza, Gilbert Burns, and Marcos Tinoco. Recently lost a judges decision to Kade Ruotolo in ONE FC.

Levi Jones-Leary - 27 years old (Australia)

Nickname the “Xanadu God”. ADCC Asian trials winner. IBJJF Pan Am Champion. Levi has a victory over Jozef Chen in Polaris. Levi has the best berimbolo in the world. Australian BJJ black belt under legendary Murilo Santana. Representing Absolute MMA. 3 of his 4 submissions losses at black belt have been via leg lock.

Jason Nolf - 28 years old (USA)

American national wrestling champion out of Penn State. If you didn’t know, Penn State is one of the top wrestling programs in the USA. Elite level wrestlers. Nolf is a three-time NCAA division 1 champion. He is 5 foot 9 inches tall, 163 pounds. Jason Nolf narrowly missed out on making the 2024 Olympic games. He won a qualifying tournament defeating former Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs, but lost to USA Olympic team wrestler, Kyle Dake.

Nolf will definitely have the highest level of wrestling in this bracket. He trains with Australian BJJ black belt Izzak Mitchell. I can see him doing well but I wonder if his leg lock game will be up to the level it should be for an event like this.

Andy Varela - 32 years old (USA)

BJJ black belt out of team 10th Planet. Fighting out of Las Vegas, USA. He has a very entertaining style and is always attacking. Varela won the Pro Grappling Federation season 6 which earned him $20,000 back in April 2024. He was announced for ADCC under 77kg division before dropping out and entering CJI for his chance at a million dollars. Lost a close match to Andrew Tackett at 2024 ADCC west coast trials.

Kade Ruotolo - 21 years old (USA)

My personal pick to win. Kade Ruotolo is an amazing grappler. He won the 2022 ADCC under 77kg division with all submissions defeating Lachlan Giles, Roberto Jimenez, PJ Barch, and Mica Galvao. Only Marcelo Garcia and Kron Gracie have accomplished that, winning under 77kg with all submissions. Kade is the current ONE FC lightweight submission grappling champion. He really seems to have hit his stride these last few years. Both Ruotolo brothers received their black belts from Atos leader, Andre Galvao. His relentless pace, pressure, and deadly darce choke are his top weapons.

Tye Ruotolo - 21 years old (USA)

Twin brother of Kade Ruotolo. ONE FC welterweight submission grappling champion. IBJJF world champion. Bronze in the ADCC 2022 open class division. Tye Ruotolo was the youngest competitor at ADCC 2019 when he was only 16 years-old. Two-division champion for Who’s Number One (WNO). Tye has all the credentials to win this and he definitely could. Tye mentioned he is dealing with a neck injury after his last match against Jozef Chen in July 2024. Neck injuries can be very debilitating so I hope he can recover to full health before CJI.

Magid Hage - 31 years old (USA)

Nickname “Gorilla Hands”. The T-shirt master. Magid Hage only wears a t-shirt when competing while most other athletes wear a tight fitting rash guard. Magid Hage is an interesting character and amazing BJJ black belt. Representing team Gracie Barra. If you follow Magid on Instagram you may see him smoking weed, biking/surfing around California, always having a great time. Magid was another ADCC invite who dropped ADCC in favor of CJI. He used to be known for his baseball bat choke in the gi that put many people to sleep.

Kenta Iwamoto - 27 years old (Japan)

Japanese BJJ and judo black belt. Kenta has a very strong takedown game and a great gas tank. He had a very close match with ADCC champion JT Torres, losing in the opening round of ADCC 2022. There was some critics online who cried because he is another B-Team member. There are 3 members of the B-Team in under 80kg bracket (Nicky Ryan, Jozef Chen, Kenta). It’s likely if they win their opening matches we could get B-Team vs. B-Team in the second round.

Roberto Jimenez - 24 years old (Ecuador)

Nickname “El Natural”. IBJJF no gi world champion. BJJ black belt under his father, Raul Jimenez. Fighting out of Las Vegas, USA. Roberto Jimenez is another very exciting young grappler. He holds a submission victory over Kade Ruotolo. Not many can claim that. Also has wins over Andy Varela, Magid Hage, and Dante Leon.

Presley Top Pick’s to Win under 80kg

Kade Ruotolo
Nicky Ryan
Jozef Chen

Dark Horse: Levi Jones-Leary

Men over 80kg

William Tackett - 23 years old (USA)

One of the most well rounded grapplers in the world. His styler is amazing leg locks, amazing wrestling, incredible heart and determination. William Tackett has a chance to win a million dollars alongside his brother Andrew who competes in the under 80kg division. Won the 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials. Has victories over Jay Rodriguez (toe hold), Eoghan O’Flanagan (decision), Dante Leon (calf slicer), Jason Rau (points), Kenta (points), Andy Varela (points). Represents CheckMat BJJ out of Austin, Texas.

Luke Rockhold - 39 years old (USA)

Former UFC Middleweight champion. Lost a decision to Nicky Rodriguez in a Polaris event 2019. Rockhold obviously focused mostly on MMA over his career but he did win IBJJF no gi World Championships in 2007 as a purple belt. I don’t expect him to win but he’s entertaining and as a former UFC champ he brings a lot of eyes to the event. Representing American Kickboxing Academy.

Nick Rodriguez - 27 years old (USA)

Nickname “The Black Belt Slayer”. Recently just got his BJJ black belt from Craig Jones. A strong wrestler who looks to get on top and use the body lock guard pass. Won a silver medal at ADCC 2019 as a blue belt. Holds wins over Mason Fowler, Roberto Jimenez, Yuri Simoes, Felipe Pena. Nicky Rod is going to be tough for anyone to beat. Lost a 2019 wrestling match to Pat Downey by technical fall. Born and raised in New Jersey but now represents the B Team out of Austin, Texas.

Mason Fowler - 31 years old (USA)

Submission Underground champion. ADCC trials champion. Student of Caio Terra who trains in California. Holds an EBI OT victory over Craig Jones. Mason Fowler is a strong wrestler and likes to finish his matches by choke. Lost to Eoghan Flanagan by heel hook at ADCC 2022.

Joao Gabriel Rocha - 33 years old (Brazil)

IBJJF Pan American champion. Cancer survivor, taking a break from BJJ in 2014 before returning to the top of competition. Consistently one of the top competitors in the ultra heavyweight division. Had a close match in 2019 vs. Gordon Ryan, losing in overtime by a single point. Representing team Alliance.

Victor Hugo - 27 years old (Brazil)

5x IBJJF World Champion. BJJ black belt under the Ribeiro brothers (Saulo and Xande). Representing team Six Blades. One of the favorites to win this bracket and my personal pick to win. It’s hard to see anyone defeating the man nickname “Man Mountain”. 6 foot 4 inches tall, 255 pounds. Moves like a lightweight. Has victories over Nicky Rod, Fellipe Andrew, Kaynan Duarte, Pedro Alex.

Owen Livesey - 32 years old (UK)

Incredible judo black belt who narrowly missed out on the 2012 Olympic Games. Catch wrestling world champion. Won a gold medal in judo at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Had a war with Nicky Rodriguez taking him to a draw at 2023 Quintet. Defeated former UFC champion Chris Weidman at Polaris BJJ. Representing Carlson Gracie team.

Fellipe Andrew - 29 years old (Brazil)

IBJJF world champion. Known for his devastating ankle lock submission. BJJ black belt under Rodrigo Cavaca. More of a gi competitor. One of only two men who holds submission win (triangle choke) over Keenan Cornelius.

Max Gimenis - 31 years old (Brazil)

IBJJF Pan American champion. His style is pressure passing. His top submission is choke from the back. Representing GF Team.

Adam Bradley - 28 years old (USA)

BJJ black belt under Andre Galvao. Known for his submission defense. Had a match on FloGrappling “Who’s Next” last over 3 hours before winning by rear-naked choke. Adam Bradley was screwed over at ADCC trials finals by not being awarded sweep points. Has online rivarly with Gordon Ryan. Doing his camp for CJI at the B Team.

Inacio Santos - 25 years old (Brazil)

BJJ black belt who won the 2024 ADCC Brazilian trials. I do not know much about him. Surprised to learn he has had 3 heart surgeries. Also a competitive powerlifter. I found some of his stats. Squat: 525 lbs. Bench: 407 pounds. Deadlift: 639 pounds.

Pat Downey - 31 years old (USA)

USA national wrestling champion. Highest level wrestler in the over 80kg bracket. Representing the Nittany Lions wrestling club. Pat Downey had an online feud and a set of matches vs. Gordon Ryan in 2020. Gordon submitted Downey with a power half nelson in a BJJ match. Gordon lost to Downey quickly by technical fall in a wrestling match. Lots of wrestling experience but only has 3 BJJ matches on his record. Training at Fight Sports in Miami with heavyweights Cyborg and Vagner Rocha.

Pedro Alex - 30 years old (Brazil)

Nickname “Bom Bom”. Holds a victory over “Big” Dan Manasoiu. Representing GF Team.

Kyle Boehm - 37 years old (USA)

BJJ black belt representing 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu in California. 2019 BJJ Fanatics Grand Prix champion. He is a leg locker. Has had high profile matches with Craig Jones, Gordon Ryan, Kaynan Duarte, Nicky Rodriguez. In 37 BJJ matches he has only been submitted twice (Gordon Ryan - armbar, Craig Jones - guillotine choke).

Mahamed Aly - 30 years old (Brazil)

Mahamed Aly is back! IBJJF World champion. He has not competed in BJJ since 2021. Famous for his 2019 ADCC matches where he lost to Nicky Rodriguez (decision), and Lachlan Giles (heel hook).

Daniel Kerkvliet - 23 years old (USA)

NCAA wrestling champion representing Penn State. He was the final athlete to be added to the over 80kg bracket. Can’t find anything on his BJJ experience. 3x NCAA All-American athlete.

Presley’s Top Pick’s to Win over 80kg

Victor Hugo
William Tackett
Nicky Rodriguez

Dark Horse: Joao Gabriel Rocha

Superfights

Ffion Davies - 29 years old (Wales) vs. Mackenzie Dern - 31 years old (USA)

Biggest female super fight in grappling history. Ffion Davies the reigning ADCC 2022 champion takes on Mackenzie Dern 2015 ADCC champion. This is big because Ffion is currently one of the biggest stars in BJJ vs. Mackenzie Dern who’s a huge star in the UFC. Dern is currently ranked 7th in the UFC female strawweight rankings (strawweight champion= Zhang Weili).

Mackenzie Dern (MMA record 13 wins, 5 losses) has 1.3 million followers on Instagram. Her last BJJ competition match was ADCC 2017 where she lost in the opening round. She’s won IBJJF world championships at every belt level. Most of her BJJ black belt career took place between 2013-2016. She began training BJJ at age 3.

Ffion Davies is the top female grappler in the world in gi and no gi. IBJJF and ADCC world champion. She holds a black belt in BJJ and judo. If you have followed Ffion’s career (225K followers on Instagram) you know she came close to winning the big titles a few times, lost but kept chasing and eventually conquering those championships. She has stayed very active in competition over the last few years. Ffion currently trains at Essential Jiu-Jitsu in New York under BJJ black belt, ADCC champion, JT Torres.

I see Ffion Davies winning this match by decision.

Craig Jones - 33 years old (Australia) vs. Gabi Garcia - 38 years old (Brazil)

Man vs. woman. Intergender match. I can’t believe this is happening. A few years ago Gabi Garcia claimed she would fight anyone. Craig Jones (BJJ’s biggest internet troll) jumped at the opportunity to promote an intergender match against her. After a few failed attempts to have the match here we are.

Gabi Garcia (MMA record 6 wins, 0 losses) is 6 foot 2 inches tall, 210 pounds. Her top move is Americana from top half guard. Gabi is the most decorated athlete in ADCC history, winning her weight division 4 separate times. Six time IBJJF world champion in the gi. Gabi last competed in BJJ at ADCC 2022 where she lost to the champion, Amy Campo.

Craig Jones is a two-time ADCC silver medalist. Head of the B Team. He’s doing all this CJI stuff in the name of raising fighter pay. After starting BJJ training in Australia he eventually moved to New York City to train with John Danaher, Gordon Ryan and the Danaher Death Squad. After moving to and hating Puerto Rico, Craig Jones and other members (Ethan Crelinsten, Nicky Ryan, Nicky Rodriguez) moved to Texas and created the most popular team on the internet - the B Team. Fun fact I actually met Craig Jones in NYC at a GNC store sometime in 2019.

I see Craig Jones winning this match by leg lock.

Mikey Musumeci was supposed to have a superfight but it was cancelled.

Apparently CJI could not come to terms with Mikey’s potential opponent. Craig Jones made a comment about the person wanting too much money.

Thank you for reading my Craig Jones Invitational preview. Tell me what you think about CJI and leave me a comment.

Hot Off The Presley