Craig Jones announced late yesterday that Mason Fowler has withdrawn from the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational (CJI). While no formal explanation was provided for Fowler’s departure, fans are speculating that an injury may be the cause, given the tournament’s proximity, scheduled for August 16th and 17th.
UFC heavyweight title contender Curtis Blaydes has reportedly offered to step in as a replacement. Blaydes, known for his wrestling prowess in MMA, could bring an intriguing element to the grappling-focused event if his offer is accepted. Curtis Blaydes will be competing tonight at UFC 304 in Manchester against reigning interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
This latest development adds to the ongoing drama surrounding the CJI, which has already seen its share of controversies and high-profile changes. Recently, Jones announced the addition of Mahamed Aly to the over 80kg bracket, marking another significant departure from the ADCC competition.
The CJI organizers have faced challenges in signing talent for a superfight, with Jones hinting at difficulties in negotiations. He previously commented on social media, “Let’s just say some people think they deserve a lot of money to come out of retirement….,” suggesting that attempts to secure certain veterans for the event may have been unsuccessful.
Jones has also addressed the absence of New Wave athletes from CJI, citing contractual obligations and “secret cash deals” as reasons for their non-participation. The grappling community remains divided on the impact of the scheduling conflict between ADCC and CJI, with concerns about the division of talent and attention between the two events.
As the CJI draws closer, this could be a blessing in disguise considering that Blaydes has a chance to become a UFC interim champion tonight. The grappling world eagerly awaits further announcements and potential shakeups in the lead-up to this highly anticipated event.
