The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world got a rare glimpse behind the curtain when Craig Jones took to Reddit for an Ask Me Anything session that was equal parts promotional campaign and therapy session. The Australian grappler, known for his dry wit and unfiltered commentary, used the platform to drum up support for his upcoming Craig Jones Invitational 2 while revealing surprisingly personal details about his current state of mind.
Jones made it clear from the outset that ticket sales are crucial to the event’s success.
“Emphasis the importance of people buying tickets to pack this sh*t out,”
he stressed, demonstrating the grassroots nature of his promotional efforts. Unlike major BJJ organizations with massive marketing budgets, Jones is relying on direct community engagement to fill seats.
The conversation took several unexpected turns as Jones opened up about his physical and mental health. He candidly admitted his body
“ain’t feeling great”
and revealed he doesn’t train much these days. More surprisingly, he disclosed taking 70mg Vyvanse and 30mg Adderall daily, along with managing Stage 2 high blood pressure that’s
“holding steady.”
These revelations painted a picture of someone dealing with the real-world consequences of a lifetime in combat sports.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Jones seemed genuinely uncertain about his future in the sport. When pressed about retirement, he responded with characteristic honesty:
“I don’t even know.”
He mentioned plans to take a mental break after CJI 2 and potentially heading to Peru, where they’ve built a gym. The exhaustion in his words was palpable as he described feeling
“more like a politician than anything”
when dealing with the business side of BJJ.
The AMA also served as a window into Jones’ complex relationships within the grappling community. He revealed that he still occasionally reaches out to Jay Rodriguez to check on his wellbeing, showing a softer side beneath his notorious trash-talking persona. More surprisingly, he announced that he’s reconciled with John Danaher, explaining that
“He sees the bigger picture.”
This marks a significant shift from their previous public tensions.
On the personal front, Jones mentioned splitting from his wife while continuing to support her, demonstrating maturity in handling difficult life changes. Throughout the session, he peppered in his trademark humor with various jokes about Gordon Ryan, maintaining the playful rivalry that has entertained BJJ fans for years.
The format of CJI 2 came up frequently, with Jones explaining the team-based quintet-style competition that sets his event apart from traditional tournaments. He also teased an upcoming debate with Mikey Musumeci, adding another layer of entertainment to the proceedings.
Beyond promotion, Jones used the platform to express broader concerns about the sport’s direction, particularly regarding the UFC’s exclusive approach to BJJ. His comments suggested worry about how major organizations might limit opportunities for independent promoters and athletes.
What emerged from this Reddit session was a portrait of someone at a crossroads. Jones appears to be grappling with the weight of running a major BJJ promotion while dealing with personal health issues and relationship changes. His transparency about these struggles, combined with his relentless push for ticket sales, created a compelling mix of vulnerability and determination.
The AMA served its intended purpose of generating buzz for CJI 2 but it also provided something rarer in professional sports: genuine authenticity. Jones’ willingness to discuss everything from his medication regimen to his reconciliation with former rivals offered fans an unusually honest look at life behind the scenes of elite grappling.
CJI 2 happens August 30th and 31st in Las Vegas.
