The world of professional grappling is rarely dull, but a recent announcement from decorated athlete and coach Craig Jones has sent ripples through the community, immediately followed by a characteristically sharp and public rebuke from his long-standing rival, Gordon Ryan. What initially appeared to be a simple retirement declaration has quickly evolved into a dramatic public exchange, signaling a significant shift in the competitive landscape.
The Curtain Call for a Grappling Maverick
Craig Jones, a name synonymous with innovative jiu-jitsu and a penchant for leg locks, has declared his imminent departure from competitive grappling. His final bow is scheduled for the second Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2) on August 30 and 31 in Las Vegas, where he will face Olympic gold medalist wrestler Gable Steveson. Jones`s career has been nothing short of illustrious: a one-time IBJJF world champion, a multi-time ADCC silver medalist, and a three-time Polaris champion. Beyond his own competitive prowess, Jones successfully transitioned into a sought-after jiu-jitsu coach, notably guiding UFC champions Alexander Volkanovski and Jack Della Maddalena.
Yet, his announcement carried more than just personal finality. Jones also revealed that B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, the gym he spearheaded, would undergo a rebranding. While familiar faces like Nicky Ryan (stepping in as the new head coach), Nicky Rod, Ethan Crelinsten, and Damian Anderson are set to remain, Jones himself is not only stepping away from B-Team but also from life in America. “This is our farewell tour to America,” Jones stated, adding enigmatically, “After Aug. 31, I don’t know what I’m doing, but you will not see me again.” A retirement, yes, but also a complete vanishing act from the current scene.
Gordon Ryan Unchained: A Scathing Critique
Before the dust could even settle on Jones`s bombshell, Gordon Ryan, often regarded as the “King of Grappling” and a figure known for his unfiltered commentary, unleashed a torrent of criticism. Ryan’s response wasn`t merely an acknowledgment; it was a scathing assessment, dripping with sarcasm and thinly veiled accusations, primarily directed at Jones and the trajectory of B-Team.
Ryan wasted no time in framing the situation as a vindication of his own long-held beliefs about those who depart from his circle. He proclaimed that “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 implied narrative, where former associates inevitably return to the fold, served as the foundation for his broader critique of B-Team`s leadership.
His accusations against Jones were direct and severe. Ryan questioned Jones`s leadership, citing alleged “romanticizing cocaine,” “losing constantly,” and a notable absence from the gym. He painted a picture of a leader “traveling the world partying while the real members run the gym,” and even accused Jones of “throwing BOTH the rod boys under the bus for his own publicly perceived morality.” It was a comprehensive takedown, leaving little room for ambiguity.
Ryan further lambasted B-Team`s perceived failure in talent development. “They haven’t built a single decent athlete outside the guys who were our students in almost 5 years,” he asserted, dismissing any claims of their commitment to fostering new talent. In a dramatic flourish, Ryan hinted at his own expansion plans, teasing a “sick spot in Austin [Texas] that’s opening soon,” where “world champions, not blue belts” would teach. He concluded his tirade with a parting shot, suggesting a new, rather unflattering moniker for the rebranded B-Team: “You can call yourselves team bankrupt, starting the first week of August!”
The Broader Implications: A Grappling Soap Opera?
This public spectacle is more than just a personal spat; it`s a window into the intense rivalries and high stakes within elite combat sports. Gordon Ryan, with his dominant competitive record, often plays the role of the undisputed monarch, and his pronouncements carry significant weight. His immediate and aggressive response to Jones`s news underscores the deep-seated professional and personal dynamics at play.
For B-Team, the rebranding under Nicky Ryan will undoubtedly be watched closely. Can they shed the “bankrupt” label and forge a new identity, or will Gordon Ryan`s caustic narrative prove to be a persistent shadow? For Craig Jones, his final competitive match and subsequent disappearance from the public eye will close a chapter on a unique and influential career, leaving many to wonder about his mysterious next steps.
As the grappling world anticipates Craig Jones`s final performance, the true main event might just be the ongoing narrative between these two titans. Whether it`s a calculated strategy or genuine frustration, Gordon Ryan`s public critique has ensured that Craig Jones`s retirement is not just a quiet fade to black, but a dramatic exit punctuated by a fiery, public post-mortem.
