Craig Jones has revealed several exciting developments for the upcoming tournament, including the appointment of Lachlan Giles as the head coach for the Australasia Misfit team.
New Wave and B Team Rivalry Put Aside
Perhaps the most noteworthy announcement is the confirmation that both New Wave and B Team will be competing in the same tournament, marking a momentous occasion after their well-documented rivalry. Jones described this development as “incredible” during his update on The B-Team YouTube channel.
“New Wave are in. It’s incredible. It’s incredible to have New Wave and B team in the same teams event,” Jones stated, referring to a previous meeting with John Danaher where they reached what Jones characterized as “a peace deal” and “a ceasefire until at least CJI ends for the greater good.”
Reflecting on the evolution from the first CJI event, Jones noted, “CJI one destroyed everything. CJI 2 we’re trying to put the pieces back together again. Two forces of evil coming together for good.”
The Wild Card System
Jones elaborated on the innovative “Wild Card” concept designed to ensure balanced competition. This system allows teams to recruit one competitor from another team to fill weight categories they might be lacking.
“All I wanted was that the teams in the tournament you might not be able to fill all five weight divisions and put forth a strong team,” Jones explained. “The wild card allowed you to draw in a member of another team. You could lure him in there and you could have him fill one of your weight categories.”
According to Jones, this approach serves dual purposes: ensuring more balanced competition by allowing teams to strengthen weak spots in their lineups, and preventing the formation of dominant “super teams” that could undermine the competitive spirit of the event.
“We don’t want some rich [person] coming in and building the best team possible and then just destroying all the other competition. That’s not entertaining, that’s not fun,” Jones stated.
Regional Misfit Teams and Lachlan Giles’ Role
One of the most significant announcements was the formation of three region-locked “Misfit” teams for competitors not affiliated with established teams, representing Americas (combining U.S. and Brazil), Europe, and Australasia.
Jones revealed that Lachlan Giles will be coaching the Australasia team, describing him as “the greatest jiu-jitsu athlete to ever come out of Australia and the greatest coach and probably the highest selling BJJ fanatics instructor from that region.”
Giles has been given considerable autonomy in selecting his team members. “He can do whatever the f*** he wants really. He still needs to get our approval, but within reason he can do whatever the f*** he wants,” Jones stated.
According to Jones, Giles is planning to hold trials to make competitors earn their positions on the team. “I love that. I love that for my own entertainment. I’ll be there on the side watching these guys fight for a shot on Lachlan Giles’ team,” Jones added enthusiastically.
Notable athletes being considered for the Australasia team include Levi Jones-Leary and Lucas Canard, though Giles will have the final say in team composition. Like other teams, the Australasia squad will follow the “Wild Card” rule: four athletes from the region plus one from outside the region.
Tournament Details and Production Value
CJI2 is strategically scheduled to coincide with the end of IBJJF Masters Worlds in Las Vegas, with Jones noting they’re “piggybacking off of the IBJJF’s hard work” to capture some of the estimated 30,000 jiu-jitsu enthusiasts who will be in town.
The event will feature 10,000 seats, which Jones expects to sell quickly, encouraging fans to join the waitlist for early ticket access.
Unlike the first CJI event, which donated proceeds to charity, Jones indicated that CJI2 aims to be “much more profitable” with dedicated team uniforms and merchandise available for purchase. “The jersey is your place on the team,” Jones stated, adding that “these team uniforms are going to be sick. They’re going to be amazing.”
Confirmed Teams and Superfights
In addition to New Wave and B Team, 10th Planet has also been confirmed for the event. Jones also teased upcoming “massive super fight announcements,” including one featuring Jones himself.
“I’m like Floyd Mayweather, I only compete for my own event,” he quipped, though noting that unlike Mayweather, he hasn’t profited from previous events.
As preparations continue, Jones plans to travel worldwide to help build the European and American Misfit teams, encouraging talented competitors to fight for spots on these rosters.
With the inclusion of major teams, the innovative Wild Card system, and the Misfit team concept led by respected coaches like Lachlan Giles, CJI2 is shaping up to deliver the competitive balance and excitement Jones envisions for this growing tournament series.
