Craig Jones claims he nearly arranged Tom Hardy versus Mark Zuckerberg grappling match for CJI
"We were trying to get Tom Hardy versus Zuckerberg for CJI1. We did come close. We did come very close. I asked Tom though. I remember we're just in New York and I was like yo Tom if you come out of Faith Zuckerberg and as you touched hands he said remember I can read all your DMs. What happens in that match? since like I tap"
About 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.
Key takeaways
- Craig Jones reveals he nearly arranged a grappling match between Tom Hardy and Mark Zuckerberg for CJI 1, with both celebrities agreeing in principle before timing prevented it.
- Jones claims Gordon Ryan never pursued MMA because he cannot wear a mouthguard due to a strong gag reflex, describing this as absolute fact.
- Jones accuses grappler Isaac Micheo of evading US sex crime charges by competing internationally and criticizes ADCC for initially keeping him on their roster despite an active arrest warrant.
- The Craig Jones Invitational is taking 2025 off due to exclusive fighter contracts preventing competitive matchmaking, though Jones hints at a 2026 return with reduced prize money.
- Jones announces B Team's relaunch at a $40 million luxury resort in Tulum, Mexico, opening September 17th with training accessible to all skill levels for $37 per day.
- Jones describes storming a Trump rally stage in Washington DC with UFC fighter Sean Strickland, nearly getting arrested before UFC staff intervened on his behalf.
- Jones reveals his Fair Fight Foundation has built jiu-jitsu training facilities for disadvantaged youth globally using profits from CJI events, including a major center in Peru.