In a candid social media announcement, grappling superstar Craig Jones revealed plans for the highly anticipated CJI 2 event, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas during August 2025.
The Australian submission specialist shared that he has secured financial backing for the competition, marking a significant development in professional grappling. Jones, known for his straightforward communication style, referenced his previous event where he received $3 million and distributed all proceeds.
“Last time I received a gift of $3 million, gave it all away like an absolute f**king idiot,” Jones stated in his characteristic blunt manner. He went on to explain that this time, the funding situation is different, involving borrowed capital from what he cryptically described as “potentially some bad people.”
In what appeared to be a mix of humor and announcement, Jones mentioned using his business partner Seth’s family as collateral for the funding. The revelation comes at what Jones described as “a very important time given the boring a*s-grappling events that went on this weekend.”
The events were ADXC, BJJ Stars, UFC FPI and more and yet very little fanfare.
The original CJI event garnered significant attention in the grappling community, and this follow-up is expected to draw considerable interest from competitors and spectators alike. The Las Vegas venue choice suggests organizers are aiming for a high-profile production.
Further details about the event format, competitor roster, and ticket information are expected to be released as the date approaches.
Jones appears to have received 17 Million this time.
Previously Seth Belisle went on the Simple man podcast and confirmed that CJI 2 would be in Las Vegas due to the ease the production would have reproducing last year’s blockbuster event.
CJI promoter Seth Belisle confirmed plans to hold CJI annually, likely returning to Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center in August in appearance on Simple men podcast.
“I definitely would (do it somewhere besides Vegas), but uh the Vegas is just like (ideaL) for to the second one and to alleviate like stress and challenges and unknowns. It’s plug and play like I literally would not change anything about the production”
“CJI 2 will definitely be, definitely, happening in Vegas”
While keeping the core format intact, Belisle hinted at tweaking the divisions and super fights. “I think the only thing we need to fine tune is brackets and super fights,” he noted.
He’s considering expanding to more weight classes beyond just under-80kg and over-80kg to include lighter athletes. Belisle is also exploring ideas for compelling super fight matchups to match the buzz generated by Craig Jones vs. Gabi Garcia.
“We want to do more crossover matches,” Belisle explained.
Craig Jones announced from Rio de Janeiro that the inaugural event has raised an astonishing $500,000 for cancer research.
The CJI was not only a showcase of world-class grappling talent but also a platform for a greater cause. The event featured thrilling matches, including Gabi Garcia intergender match and a highly anticipated bout between Ffion Davies and Mackenzie Dern.
