The inaugural CJI takes place on August 16-17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. View results and highlights from the first day of action here.
The first-ever Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) kicks off on Friday, August 16, live from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The blockbuster event will feature two 16-man brackets – one above and one below 80kg – each with a $1 million prize on the line.
Grapplers can win by submission or decision, and matches consist of three five-minute rounds with mat-side judges scoring each round on a 10-point must system.
The event’s heavyweight bracket saw a couple of big upsets. Late replacement Lucas Kanard took out second-seeded Victor Hugo with a lightning-quick inside heel hook in the pair’s first-round match, while Joao Gabriel Rocha picked up a hard-fought decision over William Tackett.
View the official brackets below.
Watch the event live on YouTube here:
CJI day 1 +80kg results
+80kg first round
Nick Rodriguez def. Max Gimenis via submission (rear-naked choke), second round
After a slow start, Rodriguez turned up the pressure in the second round, securing a takedown before taking the big man’s back and sinking in the rear-naked choke with less than two minutes remaining in the frame.
Downey dominated the former UFC champion for the entirety of the match with strong takedowns and several guard passes.
Lucas Kanard def. Victor Hugo via submission (heel hook), first round
Kanard jumped on an early heel hook to score the massive upset over the man many picked as the favorite to win the million.
Tackett came out aggressive and pushed a high pace early, but it was the bigger, stronger Rocha who showcased strong wrestling, passing, and a minutes-long arm triangle attempt to secure the first-round upset.
+80kg quarterfinals
Nick Rodriguez def. Owen Livesey via submission (rear-naked choke), round 1
Adam Bradley def. Pat Downey via split decision
Inacio Santos def. Lucas Kanard via unanimous decision
Fellipe Andrew def. Joao Gabriel Rocha via unanimous decision
Andrew displayed an excellent offense from his guard over the course of the 15-minute match, snatching up a number of near triangles and leg lock attempts to punch his ticket to day two.
