The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world has seen its fair share of controversies, but Derek Moneyberg’s latest attempt has left many scratching their heads. The financial guru, who became a lightning rod for criticism after receiving his black belt in just 3.5 years, recently shared private messages with Craig Jones, seemingly trying to paint the CJI founder in a negative light.
Moneyberg posted screenshots claiming there were “a lot of levels of cheating and dishonesty at CJI2” and questioned Jones about allegedly offering to “throw the match.” Yet the exchange itself told a different story. Jones extended a genuine invitation to compete, laced with his typical Australian humor. When Moneyberg expressed concerns about the skill gap, Jones replied with irreverence: “I’d just throw it hahah” and “I mean I have no idea how good you are. It’s just hilarious.”
What Moneyberg framed as misconduct read more like Jones’s well-known comedic style. The Australian grappler has built his reputation on outrageous statements and self-deprecating humor, making the remark about throwing a match sound like a joke rather than a serious offer.
The timing of Moneyberg’s move was odd. Jones had originally given him a platform to prove his controversial black belt promotion was legitimate – an opportunity many in the BJJ community had been demanding since Jake Shields promoted him after intensive private training. Instead of accepting, Moneyberg declined and is now trying to use their conversation against Jones.
Gabi Garcia seemed more amused than anything, commenting: “this is so good best part is d-ckh-… Bro why u don’t let me win?? are this post paid ‘partnership.'” Her reaction reflected the wider community’s view—few were taking Moneyberg’s accusations seriously.
Jones himself stayed unfazed, responding publicly: “CJI3? I’ll still throw the match for you.” The comment picked up thousands of likes, showing how his humor continues to resonate while Moneyberg’s attempt at drama fell flat.
The messages also revealed that after Moneyberg declined, Jones contacted Chael Sonnen as an alternative opponent—someone Moneyberg described as “a friend and a good man.” That detail only undermined his attempt to paint Jones as dishonest.
Even more puzzling was what Moneyberg thought he was exposing. The conversation showed Jones being accommodating, offering free seats to the event, and keeping a friendly tone. Even when Moneyberg called him “a world class d-ckh-” and made a jab about Australians, Jones rolled with it in stride.
The BJJ community has made its stance clear: they want to see Moneyberg prove his skills on the mat, not in Instagram posts. His rapid promotion under Shields sparked heated debate, with critics like Vinny Magalhaes calling it a sign of commercialization. Some practitioners suggested he test himself at Master Worlds, and Kendall Reusing even volunteered to face him.
Instead of competing, Moneyberg has shifted focus toward online theatrics. But the strategy looks like it’s backfiring. The community isn’t buying the exposé—it just wants to see him roll.
