Craig Jones, one of the most recognizable names in grappling, has officially announced the return of his groundbreaking event, the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI). The second edition, CJI 2, is set to take place in August 2025 in Las Vegas. The announcement has sparked excitement across the grappling world, promising a mix of world-class talent, innovation, and the irreverent humor that Jones is known for.

Massive Backing for CJI 2

Jones took to social media to share his plans, revealing that the event has secured substantial financial support—hinting at an astonishing $17 million. Reflecting on the inaugural event, where he famously gave away all proceeds, Jones humorously admitted, “Last time I received a gift of $3 million, gave it all away like an absolute f**king idiot.”

This time, Jones disclosed that the funding comes from what he jokingly referred to as “potentially some bad people,” even teasing that his business partner, Seth Belisle, had put his family up as collateral. Despite the humor, the financial backing sets the stage for another high-profile production.

Why Las Vegas?

Promoter Seth Belisle confirmed on the Simple Man Podcast that CJI 2 will return to Las Vegas, likely at the Thomas & Mack Center, where the first edition was held. Belisle praised the ease of reproducing the previous success in Vegas, stating, “It’s plug and play; I literally would not change anything about the production.”

Anticipated Format Changes and Expansion

The inaugural CJI, which crowned Kade Ruotolo and Nick Rodriguez as champions with $1 million prizes each, was revolutionary in its use of a three-round, 10-point must system for judging, appealing to MMA fans. For CJI 2, both Jones and Belisle have hinted at significant format changes.

Belisle suggested the possibility of expanding beyond the under-80kg and over-80kg divisions to include lighter weight classes, opening opportunities for a wider pool of athletes. Additionally, the event plans to feature more crossover super fights, building on the excitement generated by Craig Jones vs. Gabi Garcia at the first CJI.

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

The inaugural Craig Jones Invitational left a lasting impression, not only for its uniquely entertaining matches but also for its charitable impact, raising $500,000 for cancer research. Matches like Ffion Davies vs. Mackenzie Dern and the intergender clash between Jones and Garcia captured global attention.

With CJI 2 on the horizon, Jones continues to challenge the norms of professional grappling. As he aptly put it, this announcement comes at a crucial time, following what he described as a “boring a*s grappling weekend” with competitions like ADXC, BJJ Stars, and UFC Fight Pass Invitational failing to generate the same excitement.

What’s Next?

With $17 million secured and plans for an expanded format, CJI 2 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the grappling world. Fans can expect more details in the coming months, including the competitor lineup, ticket information, and the much-anticipated format tweaks.

Craig Jones summed it up best: “Get ready for a massive format change.” If the first event is anything to go by, CJI 2 promises to raise the bar for what professional grappling can achieve.