In a scathing social media post that has quickly gone viral across the grappling community, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Craig Jones has publicly revealed what appears to be contractual details for “The Ultimate Grappler” show, while simultaneously criticizing the UFC for what he considers substandard athlete compensation.
Jones, known for his no-nonsense approach both on and off the mat, shared packing instructions for what seems to be a reality show format similar to popular combat sports competition programs from years past. The Australian grappling ace mockingly captioned his post:
“Hey guys here is a show that died 12 years ago. Let’s do it with grappling? How’s $90 sound?”
The leaked instructions detail strict clothing requirements, including “plain nondescript clothing only” with “NO LOGOS, NAMES, WORDS, or DESIGNS of any kind,” suggesting contestants would be isolated from outside contact during filming. The document also indicates participants would have their phones confiscated and be required to bring multiple outfits for “media obligations” and formal events.
This revelation comes amid Jones’ ongoing advocacy for fair compensation in professional grappling. In recent statements, he warned fellow athletes about potentially exploitative contract structures.
“Guys if you sign a contract with a 50% show 50% submission bonus. You’re being bent over and you deserve to be,” Jones stated in a separate post.
He further mocked promoters who attempt to entice athletes with promises of “exposure” rather than fair compensation: “Hey I know the money isn’t good but we’re going to pay you in exposure.”
Jones has previously issued public service announcements urging grapplers to carefully review their contracts.
“Please for the love of God read your contracts. I cannot emphasize this enough,” he cautioned, highlighting that unlike other combat sports, jiu-jitsu athletes rarely have managers to review contractual details.
The timing of Jones’ criticism is particularly notable as the UFC has recently announced increased investment in grappling competitions. However, Jones suggests there’s “surprisingly little behind the scenes” to support this claimed commitment.
His concerns stand in contrast to the payment structure implemented by the UFC Invitational (FPI). Former UFC competitor and current FPI matchmaker Claudia Gadelha recently provided insight into their approach:
“For us in the business side, we pay them almost the same amount of money to finish, than we pay for them to show. There’s only show money and finish money, there’s no win money. So you go out there, and you got to get a finish.”
The grappling community appears divided on the issue. Some athletes appreciate submission-focused bonus structures as they reward definitive finishes that fans want to see. Others argue that wins by decision still require tremendous skill and strategy and should be compensated accordingly.
Jones has also criticized what he perceives as hypocrisy in the sport, particularly regarding exclusive contracts that might restrict athletes’ earning potential. He previously claimed that major competitions were “selling massive amounts of tickets, getting massive amounts of views, and not paying any of the athletes.”
