The grappling world just got the news it’s been waiting for. After months of uncertainty and speculation, Craig Jones has officially announced that CJI 3 has secured full funding and is moving forward as planned.
The Announcement That Changes Everything
Despite previous reports suggesting Jones was “unsure of CJI 3 despite secured funding,” it appears the Australian grappler has now committed to making the third installment of his groundbreaking tournament series a reality.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for the grappling community, especially following all the drama and controversy surrounding CJI 2’s judging decisions and the anonymous donor situation with New Wave.
Why This Matters So Much
CJI has quickly established itself as the premier alternative to traditional grappling competitions like ADCC. With its massive prize pools, innovative formats, and athlete-friendly approach, the tournament series has disrupted the entire landscape of professional grappling.
The confirmation of CJI 3 funding means Craig Jones is doubling down on his vision of creating a sustainable, high-paying platform for the world’s best grapplers.
The Funding Mystery Continues
Just like with previous CJI events, the funding source remains shrouded in mystery. Jones has consistently kept his anonymous investors’ identities secret, though speculation has pointed to figures from the crypto industry and other wealthy backers.
What we know for certain is that the funding is real and substantial enough to support another million-dollar tournament with the production values and athlete compensation that CJI has become known for.
Learning From CJI 2
The announcement of CJI 3 funding suggests that despite the controversies surrounding CJI 2 – including the judging drama, the anonymous donor situation with New Wave, and various production issues – Jones and his backers remain committed to the long-term vision of the tournament series.
This could indicate that the lessons learned from CJI 2 will be applied to make CJI 3 an even better experience for athletes and fans alike.
What Format Will CJI 3 Take?
While details about the format remain unclear, the success of CJI 2’s team-based structure suggests that Jones might continue experimenting with innovative tournament formats that differentiate CJI from traditional individual competitions.
The team format created incredible drama and storylines, even if it also led to some of the judging controversies that dominated post-event discussions.
The Bigger Picture
The confirmation of CJI 3 funding represents more than just another tournament – it’s a statement that alternative grappling promotions can compete with established organizations by prioritizing athlete compensation and fan experience.
Jones has consistently positioned CJI as an athlete-first organization, and the continued funding suggests that this approach is resonating with both competitors and backers.
Looking Forward
With CJI 3 now officially funded, the grappling community can expect another high-stakes tournament featuring the sport’s biggest names competing for life-changing prize money.
The announcement also puts pressure on other grappling organizations to step up their own athlete compensation and production values to remain competitive in an evolving landscape.
The Bottom Line
Craig Jones has once again proven that he’s serious about revolutionizing professional grappling. The confirmation of CJI 3 funding ensures that the tournament series will continue to push boundaries and provide opportunities for athletes to earn substantial prize money.
After all the drama and uncertainty following CJI 2, this announcement provides clarity and excitement for what’s to come. The grappling world now has something concrete to look forward to, and athletes can start planning their campaigns for another shot at CJI glory.
The revolution in professional grappling continues, and CJI 3 is officially part of that future.
