UFC welterweight Sean Brady achieved what many considered impossible: outmaneuvering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Craig Jones in a submission grappling match. The unexpected victory took place at Fury Pro Grappling 3 in December 2021.
Brady, known primarily for his mixed martial arts career, stepped into Jones’ world of pure grappling as a clear underdog. Jones, a two-time ADCC medalist and renowned submission specialist, was expected to dominate. However, Brady’s exceptional control and strategic approach throughout the match led him to a decision victory that sent ripples through the grappling community.
Speaking to The Schmo backstage after his triumph, an elated Brady expressed his joy: “I got the win via control and yeah, I’m feeling good. I just beat Craig Jones and that’s going to be on my record, so I’m feeling good.” The significance of the win was not lost on Brady, who added, “It’s grappling. I literally felt no pressure to go out there. If I lost, I still won because it’s f*cking Craig Jones, you know? So I won either way and especially getting the actual win…to win in front of my home crowd [Philadelphia, PA], I couldn’t be happier.”
This victory has added a new dimension to Brady’s already impressive resume. With a professional MMA record of 16-1, including a recent submission win over former UFC middleweight title challenger Kelvin Gastelum, Brady has proven he can excel both in the cage and on the mat.
The grappling community now eagerly anticipates Brady’s upcoming challenge at UFC Vegas 97, where he faces another Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, Gilbert ‘Durinho’ Burns. Burns, like Jones, boasts an ADCC medal and multiple IBJJF world titles in both gi and no-gi competitions. Since transitioning to MMA full-time in 2012, Burns has developed a well-rounded skill set that earned him a UFC title shot in 2021.
