In the intricate and often dramatic world of professional grappling, major announcements rarely occur without a ripple effect. This week, the tranquil surface of the combat sports community was shattered by two seismic events: Craig Jones, a celebrated figure in no-gi jiu-jitsu, declared his impending retirement, and in swift, characteristic fashion, Gordon Ryan, arguably the most dominant grappler of his generation, issued an explosive and highly critical response. This isn`t merely a news update; it`s a front-row seat to a deeply personal and public feud that continues to shape the landscape of elite grappling.
Craig Jones` Final Bow and B-Team`s Rebirth
Craig Jones, known for his innovative techniques and sharp wit, has announced that his highly anticipated match against Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson at the second Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2), scheduled for August 30-31 in Las Vegas, will mark his final competitive appearance. This announcement signifies a significant shift for the Australian grappling sensation, who, in addition to his decorated competitive career—including an IBJJF world championship, multiple ADCC silver medals, and three Polaris titles—has recently transitioned into a prominent role as a promoter and a highly sought-after jiu-jitsu coach for elite MMA fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski and Jack Della Maddalena.
Jones`s departure from active competition also heralds a major organizational change: the rebranding of B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, the esteemed academy he has headed. With Jones stepping away, the mantle of head coach will pass to Nicky Ryan, a prodigious talent in his own right. The team, known for its dynamic approach to grappling, will continue to feature core members like Nicky Rod, Ethan Crelinsten, and Damian Anderson. Jones`s pronouncement was unequivocal: “I am out of here. I’ve got one competition match left, B-Team is done and I will be leaving America.” What lies beyond August 31st for Jones himself remains a mystery, but he assures the grappling world that he will not be seen competitively again.
Gordon Ryan`s Unfiltered Assessment: A Scathing Critique
As the dust from Jones`s announcement began to settle, Gordon Ryan, never one to shy away from controversy or a direct challenge, wasted no time in launching a blistering critique of Jones`s career trajectory, B-Team’s perceived shortcomings, and the broader implications for those who have parted ways with his own dominant collective, Kingsway (formerly associated with the Danaher Death Squad). Ryan`s response was not just critical; it was an uncompromising, deeply personal broadside, laden with specific accusations and pointed observations.
Ryan began with a sardonic greeting: “Good news, everyone! In less than a short five years, nearly everyone who left the greatest combat team that has ever existed to form their own team has now also left that team, and almost all who left have asked to rejoin Kingsway.” This statement immediately sets the tone, framing Jones`s retirement and B-Team`s rebranding as an inevitable failure of a rival venture, and a validation of Ryan’s own team`s supremacy.
His criticisms extended far beyond mere competitive performance, delving into leadership, ethics, and gym management:
- Character Assassination: Ryan directly accused Jones`s leadership of “romanticizing cocaine and losing constantly,” a severe personal attack questioning both conduct and competitive success.
- Absence and Neglect: He alleged Jones`s infrequent presence at the gym, stating, “seeing Big Foot on camera is a more likely catch than seeing the leader of the gym actually at the gym,” and further claimed that Jones was “traveling the world partying while the real members run the gym.”
- Public Scrutiny and Betrayal: Ryan brought up a contentious point about Jones “throwing BOTH the rod boys under the bus for his own publicly perceived morality,” touching upon past controversies and internal team dynamics that have played out in the public eye.
- Failure in Talent Development: A significant blow was struck at B-Team`s core mission: “they give zero f*cks about building any new talent, which isn`t surprising since they haven’t built a single decent athlete outside the guys who were our students in almost 5 years.” This challenges the legitimacy of B-Team as a standalone powerhouse.
- Inevitable Demise: Ryan concluded with a grim prediction: “You can call yourselves team bankrupt, starting the first week of August!” followed by a subtle promotion of his own future endeavors in Austin, Texas, promising “world champions, not blue belts teaching our pro classes.”
The Ever-Evolving Grappling Narrative: Rivalries, Legacies, and PR
This public exchange between two of grappling`s most prominent figures underscores the intense rivalries and deeply personal stakes in elite combat sports. While Jones`s announcement felt like a reflective closing chapter, Ryan`s immediate and aggressive counter-narrative transforms it into another episode in a long-running, often acrimonious saga. It highlights the complex interplay of athletic ambition, team loyalty, and strategic public relations within a sport that is rapidly professionalizing.
The “greatest combat team” versus the “bankrupt” one, the claims of personal failings versus the legacy of competitive dominance – these narratives are not just for the athletes; they are for the fans, shaping perceptions, dictating allegiances, and ultimately, driving interest in a sport that thrives on both skill and spectacle. As Craig Jones prepares for his final competitive outing, and B-Team navigates its rebranding, the grappling community will be watching closely to see if Gordon Ryan`s prophecies hold true, or if the parting shot of a retiring legend will merely fuel a new era of defiance.
In the high-stakes game of professional grappling, it seems the battles extend far beyond the mats, often playing out with equal ferocity in the court of public opinion. And for those who follow, it`s undeniably entertaining.
