The tension between ADCC promoter Mo Jassim and grappling star Craig Jones has reached new heights. The friction, which has been simmering for some time, primarily centers around the prize money awarded at the prestigious ADCC competition.
Jones has been a vocal advocate for increasing the financial rewards for competitors, pointing out that the winners of ADCC divisions currently receive just $10,000, leaving most professional athletes empty-handed.
Gordon Ryan has also weighed in on the debate. While he agrees that the ADCC prize money needs updating, he has tempered his stance, likely due to his friendship with Jassim. Ryan emphasized the historical significance and prestige of winning ADCC, likening it to earning an Olympic medal. “You win ADCC because it is the absolute pinnacle of the sport. Winning ADCC cements your name in history,” he stated.
Ryan has advocated for equal prize money across all divisions, suggesting a first-place prize of around $100,000, which would double the highest payout in other tournaments. He elaborated, “I don’t think it makes sense for the world’s premier grappling tournament to put an emphasis on money unless they emphasize that it is not only the sport’s most respected tournament but also the sport’s most lucrative. So, in short, leave the prize as is on paper, but it should be the same, and ADCC hasn’t changed it for a decade.”
Despite his firm stance on the importance of prestige over prize money, Ryan has faced criticism for seeming out of touch with the financial struggles of other athletes. His significant earnings and substantial periods of inactivity due to health issues have led some to question his empathy toward less financially secure competitors.
Meanwhile, Craig Jones has taken decisive action to shift the dynamics in favor of athletes. He has secured a large-scale benefactor for the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), which is rumored to offer $10,000 to athletes just for showing up, with a chance to compete for a $1 million prize across two divisions. This bold move has positioned CJI as a formidable competitor to ADCC, promising substantial financial incentives that could attract top talent.
Mo Jassim, in response to Jones’ counter-programming, criticized Jones by stating that his “heart wasn’t in the right place.” Jassim’s next move was to travel to Austin, Texas, to confirm that Gordon Ryan would participate in both the division and the superfight at the upcoming ADCC event.
Despite Ryan’s ongoing health issues, which have included severe stomach problems, he accepted the challenge before Jassim even arrived in Texas.
Ryan hinted that he would compete in the 88kg division, perhaps to avoid potential clashes with his teammates Giancarlo Bodoni and Nicholas Meregali. This decision suggests that while Ryan remains a dominant force in submission grappling, his health continues to play a significant role in his competitive decisions.
As the ADCC vs. CJI rivalry intensifies, the grappling community watches closely. With Ryan committing to both a division and a superfight, and Jones pushing for better financial support for athletes, the landscape of professional grappling is poised for significant changes.
ADCC roster has taken the first hit with William Tackett publicly declaring he will be participating in the Craig Jones Invitational instead.
