The Brazilian jiu-jitsu community erupted in laughs this week as Craig Jones seized upon the arrest of Nathalia Amato Santoro, listed in court documents as the spouse of rival grappler Gordon Ryan, unleashing a barrage of social media commentary that pulled no punches.
According to affidavits filed with Travis County courts in Texas, Santoro faces multiple charges stemming from incidents on October 16 and October 22. The first incident began when Austin Police Officer Katigbak observed a green Porsche SUV operating without license plates in North Austin. What started as a routine traffic stop escalated dramatically when the vehicle failed to yield, leading to a pursuit that reached speeds exceeding 120 mph and covered approximately 15 miles before officers used low-speed interventions to bring the vehicle to a halt.
During the arrest, authorities discovered two loaded fire arms in the vehicle. Both were loaded with magazines and chambered rounds. The discovery led to more charges. She was also charged with Evading Detention using a Motor Vehicle, a third-degree felony.
Days later, on October 22, a second incident occurred when Travis County Sheriff’s Deputy C. Jensen responded to a collision on FM 1826. According to the deputy’s report, Santoro admitted to traveling at approximately 90 mph in a 55 mph zone because “the roads were empty.” The vehicle left the roadway on a bend, struck a utility pole, snapping it in half, and traveled an additional 30 feet before coming to rest. Santoro was transported to the hospital for minor injuries and subsequently charged with Reckless Driving.
Bond was set at $3,000 for each case. Court records show Santoro posted bond on October 17, and additional restrictions were later added prohibiting operation of vehicles without a valid license and insurance.
Why does this matter? Gordon Ryan has cast himself as a champion for police and first responders. Yet he’s been quick to back radical anti-immigration policies, all while married to a Brazilian who broke the law.
Jones, who has maintained a long-running rivalry with Ryan wasted no time turning the incidents into social media fodder. Posting Santoro’s mugshot to his Instagram account, Jones unleashed a series of comments that ranged from mockery to theatrical concern.
“Damn what this foo do? She hear he was watching another couple?”
Jones wrote, before adding,
“@austin_police where that body cam at?”
He noted that he had filed a freedom of information act request to obtain the footage.
The Australian grappler’s commentary quickly took on darker undertones as he suggested Ryan might be in an abusive situation.
“Even the best grappler in history fears their Latina (?) wife. My boy needs help”
Jones posted, followed by,
“For real though, spousal abuse is no joke”
He later added,
“Someone give my dawg a hug”
Other comments mixed humor with pointed jabs.
“Love a woman with a felony”
Jones quipped, before dubbing Ryan
“Dawggggg the bounty hunter”
He also wrote,
“Crooked Creg…. You literally can’t make this up. This girl on the deed to his house. My guy, what is you doing”
Perhaps most pointedly, Jones suggested an intense solution:
“Send Afghanistan 2-3 years forget”
The court documents listing Santoro’s spouse as Gordon Ryan appear to confirm what had been rumored within the grappling community for some time, though sources indicate the couple has been experiencing difficulties for at least six months. Ryan has not publicly addressed the arrests or Jones’s commentary.
Jones and Ryan’s rivalry has been a fixture in the jiu-jitsu world, fueled by competitive matchups, business disputes and an ongoing war of words across social media platforms. Jones has consistently positioned himself as Ryan’s chief antagonist, never missing an opportunity to needle the champion about personal or professional matters.
The arrest records show Santoro is scheduled for pretrial appearances on December 15 in County Court at Law. The evading charge, being a third-degree felony, carries potentially significant consequences if prosecuted to conviction.
