Craig Jones criticized the new UFC BJJ promotion for allegedly copying elements from his own event, the Craig Jones Invitational, and expressed his displeasure through a sarcastic video and a dramatic stunt involving a mannequin of UFC CEO Dana White.
Craig Jones isn’t thrilled with UFC BJJ. The renowned grappling champ, who helms the Craig Jones Invitational, has taken aim at this new UFC venture. It features top Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes in a setup he claims mirrors his own event.
With the first major event unfolding in Las Vegas, Jones released a sarcastic video. He wished the new promotion all the luck in the world. “People think I’m taking this UFC BJJ very personal,” he quipped on Instagram. “Obviously, they stole the pit, the rules, the judges.”
He added, “They’re blocking staff from working our event, but I hope the finale goes off with a bang today.” A bit cheeky, isn’t he? “Hope all you guys tune in to watch my ideas come to fruition on the UFC YouTube channel,” he continued.
Jones’ own CJI events also happen in Vegas. The next card is set for August at the Thomas and Mack Center. Here, the Aussie grappler will face Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the main event. He’s convinced UFC lifted many elements from his show for UFC BJJ.
In a dramatic twist, Jones ended his video by firing a rocket launcher at a mannequin. It had UFC CEO Dana White’s face and a photo of the UFC BJJ belt. “F*ck the UFC,” he shouted as the mannequin exploded. Talk about making a statement!
Despite his grievances, Jones maintains close ties with top UFC fighters. He even helped new UFC welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena sharpen his grappling before his victory over Belal Muhammad in May. So, while he loves the fighters, his feelings for the UFC are a bit… complicated.