Fight Capital Newsletter #43
CJI Disrupts Grappling Forever? Podcasts Interviews with Ringside Dr. Andrea Verburg Hill and 18-1 Boxer Joey Spencer
In this week’s Fight Capital Newsletter, I’m thrilled to recap the impact of the groundbreaking Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), which sent shockwaves through the world of grappling and combat sports this past weekend. I need to highlight disruption in combat sports and Craig and his team did just that.
Held at the iconic Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, CJI set a new standard with its revolutionary payout structure, charity-driven model, and free streaming on YouTube, all while pushing the boundaries of competition with the innovative use of "The Alley."
I also loved where I got to highlight Dr. Andrea Verburg Hill’s crucial work in fighter safety, focusing on concussion awareness and CTE prevention. Plus, don't miss my chat with 18-1 pro boxer Joey Spencer on MILLIONS.co who’s bringing the spirit of boxing back to his hometown of Linden, Michigan.
As always, your feedback is invaluable. Drop me a comment or share this, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Sincere Regards,
Craig Jones Invitational Proves Itself The Disruptor
Over this past weekend, Las Vegas was the epicenter of a significant shift in the world of grappling, and perhaps in the broader landscape of combat sports. The first-ever Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), held at the Thomas & Mack Center, was a statement event.
Frustrated by the traditional structures and payouts in events like ADCC, Craig Jones took a bold step to redefine how grappling competitions can be organized, compensated, and consumed. After a mysterious financial backer provided capital to fund an epic prize set for competitors and champions, the results were a game-changer for grappling tournaments and MMA competition as a whole.
A New Era of Grappling Competitions
Craig Jones' decision to host his own tournament, offering $1 million to two separate division winners and streaming the event for free on YouTube, was a direct challenge to the status quo. With top competitors choosing CJI over ADCC, it’s clear that the event's impact went beyond the mats by disrupting the entire grappling ecosystem.
It wasn't just the quality of the competition, which was superb, but also the leadup from PR and social media content by The B-Team Jiu Jitsu and Craig Jones was a creative force in creating awareness.
Held on the same weekend as the perennial ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship is an international submission grappling competition, organized by the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC). The inaugural tournament was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE in 1998.
In many ways, the CJI mirrors the broader trend in MMA and combat sports, where athletes and promoters increasingly take control of their destinies, carve out new opportunities, and challenge established norms. While bigger payouts are a key component, CJI has stood for making the sport more accessible and engaging for fans worldwide.
4 Reasons Why the Craig Jones Invitational Was a Disruptor in Combat Sports1. Revolutionary Payout Structure
1. Revolutionary Payout Structure
One of the most significant disruptions CJI introduced was its groundbreaking payout structure. By offering $1 million to division winners and a minimum of $10,001 to all competitors, CJI set a new benchmark in athlete compensation for grappling tournaments.
This was a stark contrast to traditional payouts seen in events like ADCC, where even the top competitors earn a fraction of that amount. This move not only attracted top-tier talent but also highlighted the importance of fair compensation in combat sports, challenging other organizations to rethink their financial models.
2. Charity as a Driving Force
CJI is operating in partnership with the 5013C Charity Fair Fight Foundation. This unique model of being tied to charity, alongside matching donations from revenue generated by ticket sales, sponsors, and streaming, is a positive impact and storyline driver.
Fair Fight Foundation is proud to support Tap Cancer Out as its premier charity partner, alongside Instituto Criança Mais Feliz, Kodl Boyarka, and Akademi Kristus, dedicating proceeds to cancer-related causes, flood relief in Brazil, children's medical care in Ukraine, and youth education in Indonesia. This is helping empower the jiu-jitsu community to create meaningful change globally.
3. Direct-to-Consumer Access via Free Streaming
CJI’s decision to stream the entire event for free on YouTube was a game-changer. In an industry dominated by pay-per-view (PPV) models, this approach made high-level grappling accessible to a global audience without any barriers, as the ADCC tournaments sit behind a paywall.
By eliminating the cost of entry, Jones not only expanded the sport's reach but also increased engagement from both hardcore fans and casual viewers. This move disrupted the traditional PPV model, proving that innovative distribution strategies can coexist with financial success and broaden the sport's appeal.
4. Innovative Use of the Karate Combat Pit ("The Alley")
A standout feature of the CJI was the decision to use the Karate Combat pit, referred to as "The Alley" for this event, as the main competition arena. This pit, with its unique, sloped walls and intimate setting, added a fresh dynamic to the matches, forcing competitors to adapt their strategies.
Unlike the flat surfaces typically used in grappling tournaments, "The Alley" introduced new elements of strategy and engagement, making the matches more unpredictable and visually compelling. This creative choice not only set the CJI apart from other grappling tournaments but also demonstrated how altering the physical environment can enhance the sport’s entertainment value.
Moments That Defined the CJI
Craig Jones' Iconic Walkout
Craig Jones set the tone for the entire event with his unforgettable walkout for his match against Gabi Garcia. Dressed in a vest and camo pants, Jones casually sipped liquor and playfully undressed as he approached the stage—a move that was both on-brand and completely unexpected. This moment encapsulated Jones' unique blend of showmanship and skill, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend. This event is not happening with the social media stir that Craig has created over the last several months generating awareness for his event.
Nicky Rod’s Dominant Performance
Nicky Rodriguez’s path to victory in the over 80kg division was nothing short of spectacular. Finishing all four of his opponents, Nicky Rod not only took home $1 million but also showcased the mental and physical preparation that set him apart. His cool demeanor, meditation between rounds, and unshakeable focus made his performance one for the ages. It’s performances like these that reinforce why athletes are drawn to events like the CJI—where their talents are both recognized and rewarded.
The Epic Battle Between Kade Ruotolo and Andrew Tackett
In the under 80kg semifinals, Kade Ruotolo and Andrew Tackett delivered what many are calling one of the best live grappling matches ever. It was a back-and-forth war, with both competitors pushing each other to the limit over three intense rounds. In the end, Ruotolo emerged victorious, but not without a fierce challenge from Tackett, who nearly pulled off the upset of the night. This match was a testament to the high level of competition and the thrilling unpredictability that events like CJI bring to the table.
The Future of CJI
The success of the Craig Jones Invitational underscores a growing trend in combat sports: the rise of disruptive, athlete-led events that challenge traditional models. His ability to draw top talent away from established organizations like ADCC and provide fans with a more engaging, accessible viewing experience is a blueprint for future events.
This shift is not just about the money—although the payouts certainly help—but about giving athletes more control over their careers and providing fans with a product that is as entertaining as it is competitive. With the success of CJI, we can expect to see more athletes and promoters following in Jones’ footsteps, using innovative approaches to create events that resonate with both competitors and audiences.
In a world where content is king, and engagement is everything, events like the Craig Jones Invitational are redefining what it means to be successful in combat sports. Whether it’s through innovative payout structures, free streaming, or the sheer entertainment value, CJI has set a new standard—and the rest of the industry would do well to take note.
As the dust settles on the first Craig Jones Invitational, one thing is clear: the future of grappling, and perhaps combat sports as a whole, just got a lot more exciting. I'm excited for what's next!
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Boxer JJ Johnson Gives Advice on Finding Your Why
This Week's Podcasts
Dr. Andrea Verburg Hill is Helping to Improve Fighter Safety Inside and Outside the Ring
Andrea Verburg Hill MD, MBA, FAAP is a certified ringside physician and she joined me to discuss her focus on concussion awareness and CTE prevention in combat sports. Her personal journey, including the loss of her husband, has shaped her dedication to athlete safety and mental health. The Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) works to educate and support fighters while advocating for their health. The most pressing safety concerns in combat sports are concussions, CTE prevention, and weight cuts. Female athletes may take longer to recover from concussions due to hormonal factors. Dr. Hill highlights the need for well-educated physicians and referees, as well as initiatives to support mental health and provide healthcare for retired fighters. She envisions progress in concussion management and education in combat sports.
Follow her on Instagram @fightdoctress
Takeaways
∙ Dr. Andrea Verburg Hill is dedicated to promoting athlete safety and concussion awareness in combat sports.
∙ The Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) supports the education and development of better ringside physicians to enhance the safety of the sport.
∙ The most pressing safety concerns in combat sports are concussions, CTE prevention, and weight cuts.
∙ Female athletes may take longer to recover from concussions due to hormonal factors.
∙ Initiatives are needed to support mental health and provide healthcare for retired fighters.
∙ Progress is expected in concussion management and education in combat sports.
Joey Spencer Brings Hometown Love for Boxing
Joey Spencer, a rising boxing star with a 18-1 record, is bringing professional boxing to his hometown of Linden, Michigan, for the first time on August 17th. The event, held on a high school football field, reflects the strong support from his community, which has backed him since he turned pro. Despite the challenges of organizing this event, Joey has managed to juggle training, event planning, and preparing for the birth of his child with the help of his family and team.
Takeaways
∙ Despite the challenges of event planning, Joey has successfully managed training, organizing, and preparing for fatherhood.
∙ Spencer Promotions aims to create more opportunities for local boxing talent in Michigan and possibly expand to the Midwest.
∙ Future plans for Spencer Promotions include expansion outside of Linden and more events across Michigan.
Watch it here on MILLIONS.co: https://millions.co/ryan-rapaport/streams/interview-joey-spencer-l5176yx
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