CJI 2025 details revealed
An updating list of Craig Jones Invitational 2 confirmed rosters: BJJ Competitors.
After a hugely successful debut, the Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2) is confirmed to take place over two days, August 30-31, 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. BJJ superstar Craig Jones returns to compete, this time facing Olympic wrestling champion Gable Stevenson in one of the event’s marquee super fights.
Building on the momentum of its inaugural event, CJI 2 will introduce an exciting team tournament format co-promoted with Quintet. Eight teams, each composed of five grapplers across weight classes, will battle for a whopping $1 million prize pool. Teams are allowed a “wild card” pick to fill any missing weight class slots, ensuring full rosters and competitive balance.
The event promises a stacked card with more “super” fights expected to be announced soon. The team tournament already features top-level competitors and world champions, making it one of the most anticipated grappling events of 2025.
Teams and Coaches Announced
The first team revealed is Eddie Bravo’s legendary 10th Planet, boasting champions like Geo Martinez and Alan Sanchez. New Wave, coached by BJJ legend John Danaher, rounds out their roster with fighters like two-time ADCC world champion Giancarlo Bodoni and 2024 ADCC silver medalist Luke Griffith.
The dynamic B-Team, led by Dima Murovanni, features notable names including Nick Rodriguez, the CJI 1 openweight champion, and IBJJF world champ Victor Hugo, who joins as a wild card pick.
Atos BJJ, another powerhouse team, is expected to compete with Felipe Pena confirmed as a wild card pick, while Heath Pedigo’s “Daisy Fresh” team will also be participating, although their roster is still being finalized.
Team Australasia, coached by Lachlan Giles, is confirmed with Fabricio Andrey, Levi Jones-Leary, and others earning their spots through CJI 2 trials, which Giles is hosting to fill some team slots.
Additional regional teams include Team Americas, coached by Greg Souders, and Team Europe, led by Faris Benlamkadem, each bringing top talent from their respective continents to the event.
Event Highlights and What to Expect
Super Fight: Craig Jones vs. Gable Stevenson, pitting BJJ’s elite against an Olympic wrestling standout.
$1 Million Team Tournament: Eight teams competing across five weight classes (66 kg, 77 kg, 88 kg, 99 kg, +99 kg).
Wild Card Picks: Flexibility for teams to fill slots with elite grapplers, adding to the competitive depth.
CJI 2 is fast becoming a premier grappling event, blending top-tier talent, team rivalry, and high stakes, all set in the fight capital of the world. Fans should expect intense matches, tactical team battles, and individual brilliance on display.
Stay tuned for updates as more fighters and super fights are announced leading up to the two-day spectacle in Las Vegas.