"Buy your wife's boyfriend something special" - Craig Jones leaks controversial DM exchange with Gordon Ryan amid ADCC-CJI beef

The simmering feud between grappling titans Craig Jones and Gordon Ryan took a turn with the recent release of a private DM exchange between the two. The controversial message exchange comes amid the backdrop of Jones' newly launched grappling tournament, the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), which is directly challenging the dominance of the ADCC.

Jones has been a vocal critic of the ADCC's treatment of athletes, advocating for better pay and working conditions. His CJI event, which took place on August 16-17, has sparked widespread discussion in the grappling community. The event, with its substantially larger prize pool compared to the ADCC, is viewed as a direct challenge to the latter's business model.

The leaked DM exchange between Jones and Ryan, once teammates under the tutelage of John Danaher, is the latest salvo in their bitter rivalry. While congratulating Ryan on his earnings from an event, Jones took a jab at the ADCC champion with a cutting remark:

"You're welcome. Buy your wife's boyfriend something special."

Check out the entire exchange between the two below:

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Craig Jones reacts to CJI being a roaring success

The 2024 Craig Jones Invitational delivered a night of unforgettable action, culminating in a historic event that captivated the world. The tournament not only crowned two new millionaires but also shattered viewership records, solidifying its place in grappling history.

The event’s centerpiece, the intergender match between Craig Jones and Gabi Garcia, ignited controversy leading up to the tournament but ultimately proved to be a ratings bonanza.

Nicky Rod emerged victorious in the over 80kg division, securing a fourth consecutive rear-naked choke submission to claim the $1 million prize. Kade Ruotolo reigned supreme in the under 80kg bracket, defeating Levi Jones-Leary via unanimous decision.

The super fights delivered equally thrilling action. Ffion Davies secured a second-round armbar submission over UFC star Mackenzie Dern, while Craig Jones triumphed over Gabi Garcia in a match hailed as the most-watched grappling event ever.

In the aftermath, a jubilant Craig Jones expressed satisfaction with the event’s outcome, emphasizing its impact on the sport. He highlighted the importance of fair treatment for athletes, criticizing the ADCC:

“It feels good, obviously Gabi’s a legend for jumping into this – I mean this is just for the athletes really, the people that currently run ADCC don’t really treat the athletes very well and Gabi’s participation in this has robbed her of her Hall of Fame when she’s already won four world titles."

He added:

"I’ve had death threats from ADCC from the organizers which is crazy, just ridiculous… I don’t even think that event is worth talking about really, they’re over there fighting for some breadcrumbs... I don’t think [CJI] could’ve gone any better, the matches were exciting, the crowd was intense." [H/t: Bloody Elbow]

Check out Craig Jones' interview below: