In a recent video, Firas Zahabi, the renowned coach of MMA legend Georges St-Pierre, shared his unequivocal praise for the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), calling it the “best grappling show” he has ever seen.
Zahabi’s excitement was palpable as he delved into the details that captivated him about the CJI format. The introduction of the “alley” – a diagonal-walled arena – was a particular highlight for the seasoned coach. He highlighted how the unique layout of the pit encourages constant engagement and eliminates the possibility of fighters backing away, as they would risk being pushed against the wall and taken down.
“The pit is perfect,” Zahabi exclaimed. “This is the perfect solution. The diagonal forces the action. You don’t want to be backed up against the wall because you’re going to be the guy on the bottom, you’re going to trip, you’re going to fall.”
The coach’s enthusiasm extended to other aspects of the CJI format, such as the open scoring system and the 10-minute, three-round structure. Zahabi praised these elements, stating, “The 10-minute, three-round format was amazing. Open scoring – pure genius. I loved it.”
However, Zahabi’s criticism was reserved for the point-based scoring systems used in other grappling events, such as the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. He expressed a strong dislike for the point system, stating, “I can’t go back to points, guys. I hate the points. I despise the points.”
The CJI’s generous prize purse, which saw two million-dollar winners, also impressed Zahabi. He acknowledged that such lucrative payouts may not be sustainable in the long run, but emphasized that the event has undoubtedly “done something to shake the Jiu-Jitsu world.”
Zahabi’s unequivocal endorsement of the CJI format suggests that the event has struck a chord with the MMA community, and its innovative approach may pave the way for a new era in competitive grappling.
