Craig Jones is actively contributing to Jack Della Maddalena’s preparation for his upcoming UFC 315 title fight against Belal Muhammad. A renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) artist holding two silver medals from the ADCC, Jones is not only assisting Maddalena with his grappling skills but also generating excitement and headlines throughout fight week.
While Jack Della Maddalena is known for his composed demeanor and disinterest in trash-talking, which has garnered him a reputation for quiet confidence, Jones stands out as a dedicated promoter. He has showcased this through his own grappling competition, the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), where he faced Gabi Garcia in an attention-grabbing intergender superfight. This type of promotion amplifies the anticipation surrounding fights, particularly as Maddalena prepares for a significant challenge.
Jones has demonstrated his ability to create buzz, often leading fans to believe he might be the one fighting Muhammad this weekend, thanks to his engaging social media presence. In a recent press conference, Muhammad responded to the buzz, subtly dismissing Jones’s participation in the hype, and challenging the fighters directly.
A noteworthy incident featured a video, posted by Jones, wherein Maddalena appears to put him to sleep with a choke, stirring discussions amongst fans. This interaction showcases Jones’s knack for entertainment, balancing humor with serious training that enhances fighters’ skills.
His expertise in BJJ is unquestionable, as he has previously coached several top MMA fighters, including Alex Volkanovski, Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France, and Israel Adesanya. His guidance during Volkanovski’s title reign has been pivotal, especially evident in Volkanovski’s impressive submission defense against renowned grappler Brian Ortega, and his ground exchanges with Islam Makhachev.
While having training with Jones doesn’t guarantee immediate mastery of BJJ techniques, his involvement in Maddalena’s camp strengthens the fighter’s grappling capabilities leading into UFC 315. The influence that Jones has had on top fighters in Oceania suggests a positive impact on Maddalena’s performance.
With Jones taking the lead in promotions and hype, Maddalena can focus on his training without feeling pressured to engage in trash talk. As the fight approaches, there’s optimism that Maddalena’s preparation will ensure he remains competitive in grappling, especially against Muhammad, who is known for his striking prowess reminiscent of Canelo Alvarez.
The collaboration highlights the camaraderie and support within the Australian MMA community, promising an electrifying showdown at UFC 315.