During a recent episode of The Simple Man podcast with Nicky Ryan, Nicky Rod and Ethan Crelinsten, the harsh reality emerged: the former B-Team members, now operating under Simple Man Martial Arts, face an uphill battle to secure spots at ADCC 2026.
The roots of this predicament trace back to ADCC promoter Mo Jassim‘s ultimatum when CJI first went head-to-head with ADCC. Jassim made it clear that anyone who chose to compete in Craig Jones‘s competing event would need to qualify for future ADCC tournaments through the trials process rather than receiving automatic invitations. This declaration seemed almost punitive at the time, designed to discourage top athletes from abandoning the sport’s most prestigious tournament.
However, CJI exceeded all expectations, becoming a massive hit that propelled the sport forward and captured the attention of the grappling world. The success of Jones’s venture proved that alternative competitions could thrive and draw elite talent. Recognizing the changing landscape, both Jassim and Jones eventually made peace with CJI 3 confirming they wouldn’t schedule their event to conflict with ADCC 2026.
Despite this reconciliation at the promotional level, the damage to individual competitors appears irreversible. The athletes who chose CJI over ADCC seem locked into their fate of having to earn their way back through qualification. For the Simple Man Martial Arts crew, this means no more automatic invitations based on their previous ADCC performances or elite status.
The conversation revealed their tactical approach to trials preparation, emphasizing submission-focused game plans over point-oriented strategies.
The irony isn’t lost on observers that while CJI’s success has elevated the entire sport, the very athletes who helped make it successful now face additional barriers to competing at ADCC. For grapplers who were once considered automatic qualifiers for the world’s most prestigious grappling tournament, the trials represent both a step backward and an opportunity to prove themselves once again.
This development highlights the evolving politics of professional grappling, where business decisions and competitive allegiances can have lasting consequences for athletes’ careers. As ADCC 2026 approaches, the trials will serve as a proving ground not just for up-and-coming grapplers but for established champions striving to reclaim their place at the sport’s highest level.
