“Just so everyone can stop speculating, and so z team can stop using my name (the only name) to promote their sh*tty event where winning athletes are taking a roughly 80% pay cut from the 1st event, let’s set the record straight,”
Ryan stated on his verified Instagram account.
The announcement comes shortly after Craig Jones revealed that New Wave Jiu-Jitsu would be the first official team participating in CJI 2. Notably, New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, where Ryan typically trains, will compete alongside three misfit teams representing Europe, Australasia, and the Americas.
Ryan made it clear that his decision extends beyond financial considerations, stating that
“if the prize was 10b to win, on principle, I’d rather take a shot gun blast to the face than compete.”
The tournament organizers have yet to respond to Ryan’s comments. Meanwhile, the competition continues to take shape with Jones confirming that his team has been
“working very very hard”
on the event’s organization.
For now, CJI 2 will proceed without one of the sport’s biggest names, as Ryan concluded his post with a pointed prediction about the event’s financial success:
“Good luck coming close to breaking even without me.”
