In a recent Q&A session, Craig Jones addressed speculation about New Wave’s participation in the upcoming Combat Jiu-Jitsu Invitational 2 (CJI 2), offering a measured response that revealed both team and personal developments.
“I’m confident New Wave will participate,”
Jones stated, though he immediately tempered expectations regarding Gordon Ryan‘s involvement.
“Gordon being on a team [is] unlikely, though I bully him I don’t doubt he’s struggling with his health right now.”
This acknowledgment of Ryan‘s health struggles marks a notable shift in tone from their recent public exchanges.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Jones and Ryan, following the latter’s criticism of CJI’s motives and timing. Ryan had previously challenged Jones‘s statements about athlete compensation and questioned the absence of women’s divisions in the first CJI event.
Jones also revealed personal challenges, suggesting a step back from active competition.
“I’m more likely to do a super fight,”
he admitted.
“I sadly am not training much these days. These side projects are overwhelming me and I’m not nearly as good as I once was.”
During the Q&A, Jones also offered insights into his broader perspective on jiu-jitsu’s impact, highlighting his commitment to charitable work.
“Growing up a middle class Australian kid, hanging out and trying to help struggling kids around the world through jiu-jitsu is more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined,”
he reflected.
“Really puts things in perspective of what matters and what is just white noise.”
CJI 2 is set to feature an ambitious team-based format with eight elite squads competing for a $1 million prize. The event has already secured support from prominent teams, with Team Atos’s Andre Galvao and Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa publicly backing the tournament.
The quintet-style, last-man-standing format represents a significant departure from the individual competition structure of the inaugural CJI. The event is scheduled to return to the Thomas & Mack Center, following the success of the first installment which notably influenced the competitive grappling landscape, particularly regarding athlete compensation.
