The anticipation surrounding the Craig Jones Invitational 2 has reached fever pitch, with much of the buzz centered around the ongoing tension between tournament organizer Craig Jones and submission grappling superstar Gordon Ryan. In a recent interview, Jones offered rare insight into the nature of their public feud, revealing a surprisingly one-sided dynamic that has captivated the jujitsu community.
When pressed about whether their animosity runs genuine or serves as calculated entertainment, Jones provided a candid assessment that suggests the conflict runs deeper than mere promotional theatrics. “I mean I think he’s like funny you know like I wish that was a character but it’s real you know,” Jones explained in interview, painting a picture of authentic discord rather than manufactured drama.
The Australian submission specialist’s comments reveal an almost sympathetic perspective toward his ongoing verbal sparring with Ryan. “It almost kind of be real like I feel bad just continuing to pick on him because it’s just nothing comes back,” Jones admitted, suggesting that their exchanges have become increasingly one-sided affairs.
According to Jones, Ryan’s current approach to their feud involves strategic silence rather than public retaliation. “Does he just ignore you that’s his way of like kind of dealing with it he just ices you,” Jones noted, describing Ryan’s tactical withdrawal from their previous pattern of online exchanges.
This shift in Ryan’s behavior represents a significant departure from his historically aggressive social media presence. Jones observed that Ryan “used to talk about everyone online and then we went into a few battles and now he doesn’t say too much.” The transformation appears to coincide with their intensifying public disagreements, suggesting that Ryan has opted for a more calculated approach to managing the controversy.
Ryan has been keeping busy posting jabs at Craig without much fanfare. His latest is a half hearted criticism of Flograppling’s choice of manager and coverage.
Instead of engaging directly with Jones, Ryan has apparently redirected his online energy toward gym-related communications. “It’s all redirected to the king’s way updates of gym policy they’re very long,” Jones remarked, indicating that Ryan now channels his digital presence through operational announcements rather than personal confrontations.
The comment provides a glimpse into the peculiar dynamics surrounding one of jujitsu’s most high-profile rivalries. Jones’s willingness to acknowledge feeling “bad” about continuing their public exchanges suggests a complex relationship that extends beyond simple competitive antagonism.
As CJI 2 approaches, the unresolved tension between these two prominent figures continues to generate significant interest within the grappling community. Jones’s tournament has positioned itself as a major rival to established competitions, with the Ryan dynamic serving as both subplot and promotional engine for the event.
