What happened in this episode?
Ariel Helwani interviews Craig Jones, the polarizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor and promoter, who announces the relaunch of B Team at a luxury $40 million combat training resort in Tulum, Mexico. Jones reveals he nearly organized a grappling match between actor Tom Hardy and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for his inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), claiming both agreed in principle before timing issues derailed it. The conversation takes controversial turns as Jones discloses that Gordon Ryan cannot wear a mouthguard due to a gag reflex, which he claims is the real reason Ryan never pursued MMA. Jones also addresses his fractured relationship with Ryan and former coach John Danaher, displaying a tattoo of an NDA on his leg that UFC executive Hunter Campbell jokingly suggested he sign. The promoter announces CJI is taking a hiatus in 2025 due to exclusive fighter contracts making it difficult to assemble competitive divisions, though he hints at a potential return in 2026 with significantly reduced prize money. Jones reveals he pressured ADCC organizers to remove competitor Isaac Micheo from their roster due to an active US arrest warrant for alleged sex crimes, criticizing the organization for allowing him to compete internationally while evading charges. The interview covers Jones's involvement cornering fighters including Jack Della Maddalena and Alexander Volkanovski, his friendship with Sean Strickland and their attempt to storm the stage at a Trump rally in Washington DC, and his charitable work through the Fair Fight Foundation building jiu-jitsu facilities for disadvantaged youth globally. Jones announces the new B Team facility will open September 17th and be accessible to practitioners of all levels at affordable rates.
