Extra particulars have been revealed on the upcoming Australasia staff trials occasion for the Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2), with one notable snub on the listing of rivals.
As reported earlier, CJI 2 will host a $1 million staff event, that includes 5 main Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) groups and three regional “misfits” groups. The Misfits Australasia Workforce coached by ADCC legend Lachlan Giles, will subject CJI 1 standouts Levi Jones-Leary and Lucas Kanard. To replenish the remaining slots, they may use a wild card decide for the 66 kg division, and a trials occasion to find out representatives for his or her two heaviest divisions.
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CJI 2 Australasian Trials to encompass two tournaments
Giles has since introduced particulars and rivals for this Misfits Australasia staff trials for CJI 2.
The trials occasion will occur Could 10, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia, and it is going to be streamed reside on YouTube. Giles will host a six-man spherical robin, consisting of 5 of one of the best grapplers within the area, plus the ultimate slot going to the winner of a separate 16-man event.
The highest two finalists from the ensuing spherical robin event will signify their two heaviest divisions, granted that one in all them could make the -99 kg restrict.
The 5 rivals for this mixed -99 kg and +99 kg spherical robin shall be Declan Moody, Bob Frias, Alibi Orazbek, Kaya Rudolph, and Belal Etaibari.
The 16 males battling for the ultimate slot in that spherical robin embrace many gifted grapplers from Asia and Australia. Apparently sufficient, it additionally contains Kenta Iwamoto, an ADCC trials winner from a number of divisions decrease at -77 kg.
Tito CarleyAnton MinenkoKenta IwamotoHarry GrechThomas DavidJosh ShiptonJosh AllsopBurak SarmanAlex HungahungaHarry CaesarSiraj SoufiAdnan LarryUrosh CulicJosh SchofieldMathew OxenhamDuke Didier
Craig Jones explains beef, Josh Saunders snub
Whereas lots of the rivals listed above are ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials medalists, maybe probably the most evident omission from the complete listing is the precise two-time ADCC Trials winner in Josh Saunders. This isn’t accidentally, as promoter Craig Jones revealed.
Jones apparently took offense to statements Saunders made when the inaugural CJI occasion was initially launched to rival ADCC. In a video reposted on social media, Saunders is seen taking photographs at Jones in a dialog with the now former ADCC head organizer Mo Jassim.
“Not all Australians are ungrateful items of s—t,” Saunders is captured on video telling the ADCC organizer.
CJI 2 Australasia Trials rivals have been launched, and notably received’t have ADCC trials winner Josh Saunders.
Craig Jones defined the meat behind it: pic.twitter.com/A3jLOjGTQT
— Anton Tabuena (@antontabuena) April 8, 2025
Even with Saunders out, the CJI 2 trials occasion ought to nonetheless be fairly intriguing with the quantity of expertise combating for simply two slots within the $1 million staff event this August.
For the listing of confirmed rivals and present combat card of CJI 2, test right here.
For the newest Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and grappling-related information click on right here.
