The phone call that changed everything for Deandre Corbe started like any other. But when he told his mom,
“I quit my job, Mom,”
it marked a shift in his entire life.
He had just been selected for the Craig Jones Invitational — a top-tier no-gi event with serious cash on the line. It’s free to watch on YouTube and pays athletes more than most events in grappling history. Jones calls it a “Super Bowl style event,” and for Corbe, it’s a chance to go all in.
“I’m going to be a full-time grappler,”
he said, trying to reassure his concerned mother.
“He’s paying us a lot. If we win…”
He had already submitted his two weeks’ notice before breaking the news. But his mom, clearly worried, replied,
“That’s not possible, Anak.”
It got more real when Corbe told her his brother Gavin had quit his job too.
“What’s going on? You’re just kids. What are you thinking?”
she asked.
Despite the concern, Corbe stayed hopeful and invited her to come watch:
“Las Vegas, Mom. August 30th, 31st. Come watch us.”
The Craig Jones Invitational has transformed what’s possible for grapplers. It’s not just a competition — it’s a chance to build a real career. The format now features team-based matchups with eight squads competing for one of the sport’s biggest paydays. Teams like Daisy Fresh have risen through the event, proving that underdog stories still have a place at the top.
For the Corbe brothers, getting selected means someone noticed. It’s a rare shot to go professional, earn big, and focus entirely on grappling. Their mom’s hesitation reflects a reality many families face — the uncertainty of chasing a dream. But for Deandre and Gavin, this is their shot to make it all count.
They’re now part of a growing wave of athletes willing to walk away from stable jobs to pursue the unpredictable but promising future CJI offers.
CJI2 goes down August 30th and 31st at the Thomas and Mack arena.
