Renzo Gracie has revealed that having events like the ADCC and the Craig Jones Invitational thrive contributes to the growth of Jiu-Jitsu.
Renzo Gracie stated that he knows who is the investor behind the Craig Jones Invitational but cannot disclose the name (Photo: Reproduction).
The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) has established itself as the world’s premier grappling tournament over its more than 20 years of existence, becoming one of the most coveted titles for competitors in the gentle art.
However, in the 2024 edition, some fighters have “preferred” another competition over the ADCC, a new event that may have its first and possibly only edition but has attracted athletes’ attention with a $1 million prize for the champion: the Craig Jones Invitational. This competition is named after black belt Craig Jones, the tournament’s creator, though some believe the Australian is a “front” for a significant investor behind the scenes.
Two-time ADCC champion Renzo Gracie discussed the topic in an interview on the YouTube channel “Rapha com Élles,” revealing that he knows who is “funding” the CJI and assured that it is not Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who has been speculated as one of the potential investors. Additionally, the legendary black belt emphasized that, between the two competitions, he supports the growth of the sport as a whole.
“(Between ADCC and Craig Jones Invitational) I am in favor of Jiu-Jitsu, and I support anything that makes the sport grow and that I can be a bigger fan of. They are bringing well-deserved attention to this fantastic sport and the incredible athletes participating in these competitions. I’ve heard that the events would be held in the same city. If it were up to me, I’d compete in both and take that money home. There is a lot of speculation about who is funding the CJI, and I have my guesses, but I can’t disclose them. Actually, there are two options: one is from the United Arab Emirates, and the other is an investor from Florida (USA). But it is not Mark Zuckerberg,” stated Renzo Gracie.
The Craig Jones Invitational will take place in Las Vegas (USA) on August 16 and 17, featuring notable fighters like Nicky Rodriguez, Victor Hugo, Mason Fowler, Fellipe Andrew, Roberto Jimenez, Nicky Ryan, Tye Ruotolo, Kade Ruotolo, Mackenzie Dern, Mikey Musumeci, Ffion Davies, among others.
Meanwhile, the ADCC will be held in the same city on almost the same dates, from August 17 to 18, and will feature names such as Diogo Reis, Kennedy Maciel, Diego Pato, Mica Galvão, Isaque Bahiense, Jonatas Gracie, Giancarlo Bodoni, Kaynan Duarte, Rafael Lovato, Roberto Cyborg, Patrick Gaudio, Gordon Ryan, Nicholas Meregali, Felipe Preguiça, Bianca Basílio, Bia Mesquita, among others.
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