Craig Jones

Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts

Craig Jones was born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, South Australia. Growing up, he actively participated in various sports, including Australian rules football and basketball, and briefly trained in taekwondo and judo. His passion for martial arts ultimately led him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2006, when he began training at ISOHEALTH, an academy operated by his cousin, Matt Jones. Demonstrating early promise, Jones later transitioned to Maromba Academy (later known as Absolute MMA) in Melbourne, where he trained under Lachlan Giles as a purple belt.

Rise Through the Ranks and Black Belt Promotion

Jones first gained international attention at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championships in December 2015, where his standout performance earned him a promotion to brown belt. Around this period, he also began regularly instructing classes, further refining his technical understanding. His rapid progression continued, culminating in receiving his black belt from Lachlan Giles in 2016, solidifying his status as an elite competitor.

Training Under John Danaher and DDS Era

Seeking further technical growth, Jones relocated to New York City to train at the prestigious Renzo Gracie Academy under John Danaher. As a core member of the elite Danaher Death Squad (DDS), Jones significantly expanded his grappling arsenal, mastering advanced leg lock systems and positional strategies. His innovative approach and competitive success quickly established him as one of Danaher's most prominent students.

Formation of B-Team and Departure from DDS

In 2021, following the dissolution of the Danaher Death Squad, Craig Jones co-founded B-Team Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas, alongside teammates Nicky Ryan, Nick Rodriguez, and Ethan Crelinsten. Jones aimed to create a more relaxed and less rigid training environment compared to DDS. He publicly hinted at internal conflicts within DDS, humorously remarking they left because "John was just training us too hard—not because of the abuse Gordon was doing," referencing alleged mistreatment by Gordon Ryan.

Innovative Coaching Philosophy at B-Team

At B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, Jones developed a distinctive coaching philosophy that balances rigorous training with humor and playfulness. He emphasizes the principle that a relaxed mind accelerates learning, a concept clearly reflected in the team's gym culture and online presence. Under his mentorship, teammates such as Nicky Rodriguez and Ethan Crelinsten have achieved notable competitive success, validating the effectiveness of Jones's innovative approach.

Elite MMA Grappling Coach

Beyond grappling competitions, Jones has become a highly sought-after MMA grappling coach. Notably, he served as the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach for UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski during "The Ultimate Fighter" (Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega, 2021). Jones's technical guidance proved instrumental in Volkanovski's UFC title defenses, particularly in developing critical submission escapes against Brian Ortega. His ability to effectively translate BJJ techniques into MMA contexts has made him a valued asset among elite fighters.

Entrepreneurial Efforts and the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI)

Frustrated by low athlete payouts in grappling competitions, Jones spearheaded the creation of the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) in 2024, featuring a groundbreaking $2 million prize pool. Boldly scheduling the event on the same weekend and venue as ADCC 2024 in Las Vegas, Jones openly challenged traditional grappling event models. The CJI featured two 16-man brackets (under 80kg and over 80kg), each awarding $1 million to the winner. Jones streamed the event free on YouTube, emphasizing an athlete-first approach. Additionally, he announced plans to introduce a million-dollar women's division at the CJI 2025.

Competition Style and Signature Techniques

Jones is renowned for his technical precision, innovative grappling style, and mastery of advanced leg lock systems. His instructional content, notably the Higher Tripod Passing series, highlights his analytical approach and technical depth. Demonstrating confidence in his leglock submissions, Jones publicly placed a $100,000 bet on submitting Gabi Garcia via leglock, underscoring his competitive spirit and technical assurance.

Controversies and Public Statements

Throughout his career, Jones has been involved in various controversies and outspoken public statements. He openly criticized promotional practices by FloGrappling surrounding his rematch with Nicholas Meregali and publicly disclosed detailed information about his steroid usage from Ever Titan. Additionally, Jones shared an alarming experience of allegedly being drugged with Scopolamine in Colombia. He has also cautioned fellow competitors against signing exclusive contracts with certain grappling promotions, advocating strongly for athlete rights.

Reconciliation with John Danaher

In early 2025, Jones publicly reconciled with his former coach John Danaher, sharing a photo of the two shaking hands captioned "systematically rebuilding bridges." Fans positively received this significant moment, marking a mature resolution to their previously strained relationship. This reconciliation represented a full-circle moment, highlighting Jones's personal growth and maturity within the BJJ community.

Return to Gi Competition

During an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Jones announced plans to return to gi competition. This decision marked a notable shift after years of primarily competing in no-gi events, signaling his continued evolution as a competitor and willingness to embrace new challenges within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.