In the high-stakes world of professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, careers often end, but legacies – and rivalries – tend to linger. Such is the case with Australian grappling phenom Craig Jones, who recently announced his departure from competitive BJJ. While one might expect a quiet exit, Jones finds himself still entangled in a protracted, and at times perplexing, verbal sparring match with long-time nemesis Gordon Ryan, the self-proclaimed `King` of grappling.
The Enduring Grudge: Jones vs. Ryan
For years, Craig Jones and Gordon Ryan have been the yin and yang of the jiu-jitsu world. Their on-mat encounters, while decisively favoring Ryan in the win column, have always been mere prelude to their off-mat theatrics. From social media jousts to pointed interview remarks, their personal animosity has frequently overshadowed their athletic achievements. Jones, known for his laid-back demeanor and sharp wit, often finds himself at odds with Ryan`s more assertive, often confrontational, public persona.
Upon Jones` announcement of his competitive retirement – with his final bout scheduled for late August – one might have anticipated a cessation of hostilities. A mutual nod, perhaps, to a shared history in the competitive arena. However, Gordon Ryan, true to form, opted for a different approach, launching another volley of social media critiques directed at Jones and his B-Team Jiu-Jitsu squad. The implication being that even a retirement announcement couldn`t escape the `King`s` scrutiny.
A Riddle Wrapped in an Enigma: Jones` Perspective
Responding to Ryan`s latest tirade, Jones expressed a mixture of bewilderment and characteristic dry humor. Speaking to Morning Kombat, Jones admitted to struggling with the nuances of Ryan’s online pronouncements. “Gordon’s been on a tirade on the internet against me today,” Jones remarked, adding with a touch of polite irony, “As you can imagine, perfect grammar, perfect spelling, clear translation of the ideas he’s trying to get across. I refuse to read it until he learns how to use paragraphs, to be honest with you. I look for the CliffsNotes.”
This light-hearted jab at Ryan’s communication style underscores a deeper confusion on Jones` part regarding the persistent nature of their feud. “Honestly, I don’t even know what he means half the time,” Jones mused. “I don’t know why he’s angry that I’m leaving his city. He’s got his gym now, I’m leaving. Take it.” The sentiment suggests a desire for peace, or at least a cessation of what Jones perceives as an unwarranted, one-sided continuation of conflict.
“I don’t know what the beef is. I’m trying to put the beef aside… It’s just obviously Gordon still doesn’t like me. I don’t know why. I’ve been nothing but complimentary towards the man.”
This quote encapsulates the baffling dynamic. Jones claims to have extended an olive branch, even mending fences with Ryan`s coach, John Danaher. Yet, the animosity from Ryan persists, leaving Jones genuinely perplexed by its genesis and continuation.
Beyond the Mat: The Personal Undercurrents
The rivalry between Jones and Ryan has always transcended mere athletic competition. Jones has publicly accused Ryan of bullying tactics within the gym environment, while Ryan has retorted with claims of Jones employing “underhanded tactics” for relevance. These accusations paint a picture of a feud rooted in fundamental personality clashes and differing professional ethics, rather than solely competitive outcomes.
It raises the question: can such deeply entrenched personal conflicts ever truly end, even when one party steps away from the very arena that fueled them? Or do certain rivalries simply evolve, becoming a permanent fixture in the narrative of those involved, regardless of their competitive status?
Ryan`s Future: A Jones Conjecture
Adding another layer to their complex relationship, Jones offered his thoughts on Ryan`s own competitive future. While acknowledging that “for enough money, for sure someone could lure him back in,” Jones expressed a strong belief that Ryan`s ongoing health issues might genuinely mark the end of his active grappling career. This speculation, coming from a peer and rival, adds a poignant note to the narrative, hinting at the physical tolls exacted by elite-level competition.
As Craig Jones prepares for his final competitive hurrah, the grappling world watches to see if his retirement truly marks the end of an era, not just for his illustrious career, but for one of jiu-jitsu`s most compelling and often absurd rivalries. The mats may soon be empty of one competitor, but the echoes of their feud seem destined to reverberate for some time to come.
