Chael Sonnen Steps In to Face Craig Jones at CJI 2 After Steveson Injury
A dramatic shake-up at the Craig Jones Invitational 2 sees MMA and wrestling icon Chael Sonnen stepping in on short notice to face Craig Jones. The main event was originally billed as Jones vs. 2020 Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson, who was forced to withdraw due to a toe injury, paving the way for Sonnen’s surprise return to the competitive stage.
Sonnen is one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, bringing decades of combat-sports experience and a proven ability to captivate audiences with his larger-than-life persona. While he’s widely celebrated for his promotional flair and outspoken style, Sonnen has also competed at a high level in both wrestling and mixed martial arts, including appearances at ADCC Worlds and earning a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Though the article hyperbolically praised his undefeated status, the core takeaway is that Sonnen remains a marquee name with substantial grappling credentials, now stepping into a main event spotlight against a premier submission artist.
Jones, widely regarded as one of the world’s top submission specialists, will look to deliver another marquee performance while balancing his roles as both competitor and event organizer. The two previously met at the 2017 ADCC World Championships, where Jones captured a submission win.
CJI 2 is built around a team tournament featuring eight of the world’s top grappling squads competing for a $1,000,000 grand prize. Teams such as Atos, B-Team, Kingsway, 10th Planet, and Pedigo Submission Fighting are in the mix, underscoring what promises to be one of the sport’s craziest sub-only tournaments ever. In addition, a four-women bracket offers $100,000, the largest cash prize awarded for any women’s bracket in the sport’s history.
The change to the main event only heightens the anticipation surrounding CJI 2, reinforcing the event’s reputation for unpredictability and spectacle. Live audiences and viewers tuning in can expect a clash that blends high-level grappling with the larger-than-life personalities of two of the sport’s most talked-about figures.
Watching Details
– FloGrappling remains the streaming home for BJJ events and news coverage, including CJI 2.
– FloGrappling will provide comprehensive coverage and live streaming for fans worldwide.
What to watch for
– Sonnen’s adaptability on short notice: How will he approach a high-level grappling contest against a specialist like Jones?
– Jones’s path to defending his edge in submission grappling when paired with a veteran showman known for diverse combat-sports experience.
– The team competition dynamics: which combination of squads can leverage depth, strategy, and chemistry to claim the million-dollar prize?
– The growing landscape of women’s grappling: the historical significance of the $100,000 women’s bracket and the level of competition it will attract.
Summary
Chael Sonnen’s sudden entry into the Craig Jones Invitational 2 adds star power and unpredictability to a stacked grappling card that already features elite teams vying for a seven-figure prize and a landmark women’s bracket. Fans can expect a spectacle that blends elite grappling with larger-than-life personalities, streamed live on FloGrappling.
Additional comments
– The event continues to push the popularity of submission grappling by pairing top teams with a charismatic crossover star, which could help bring in new fans to the sport.
– This matchup could set the tone for how future short-notice changes are handled, potentially encouraging athletes to maintain peak readiness for high-profile challenges.
Overall, the shift to Sonnen vs. Jones strengthens CJI 2’s appeal and reinforces its reputation for bold, headline-grabbing matchups that resonate beyond the grappling community.