The grappling world was rocked today as Craig Jones, the Australian submission specialist and founder of B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, announced his departure from the team he helped create and his retirement from competitive grappling.
In a social media announcement that sent shockwaves through the BJJ community, Jones declared he was “out” of B-Team, effectively ending his association with the Austin-based squad that has become synonymous with his name since its formation.
Watch the full announcement
The End of an Era
“B-Team as we know it will also cease to exist,” Jones stated in his announcement. The team will be taken over and rebranded, with Nicky Ryan reportedly set to lead the restructured organization. This marks a dramatic shift for a team that has been at the forefront of modern no-gi grappling.
Jones also confirmed his retirement from competitive grappling, with CJI 2 in August serving as his final professional appearance. The timing couldn’t be more significant – Jones will be stepping away from competition immediately after hosting what promises to be the biggest grappling event of the year.
Gordon Ryan’s Explosive Response
Never one to stay quiet, Gordon Ryan wasted no time responding to the news with characteristic bluntness. Ryan, Jones’ former teammate and frequent rival, posted that “poison has been cut out,” taking direct shots at Jones’ alleged lifestyle and leadership decisions.
Ryan criticized what he called “internal dysfunction at B-Team,” pointing to Jones’ “unhealthy lifestyle, lack of leadership, and the team’s questionable hiring decisions.” The comments highlight the ongoing tension between two of grappling’s biggest personalities.
What This Means for CJI 2
The announcement adds another layer of drama to CJI 2, scheduled for August 30-31 in Las Vegas. Jones will be competing in what he’s now confirmed as his farewell match, facing Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson in a highly anticipated cross-disciplinary showdown.
The event, which Jones has positioned as his legacy project, now takes on even greater significance as both his competitive swan song and final statement to the grappling world.
The Bigger Picture
Jones’ departure represents more than just a team change – it’s a seismic shift in the grappling landscape. As the founder of B-Team and creator of the Craig Jones Invitational, his influence on modern no-gi grappling cannot be overstated.
The Australian’s decision to step away from competition comes at a time when the sport is experiencing unprecedented growth and mainstream attention. His exit, combined with Gordon Ryan’s recent retirement announcement, signals a generational transition in elite grappling.
What’s Next?
While Jones is stepping away from competition, his impact on the sport will continue through CJI and his instructional content. The rebranded B-Team under new leadership will face the challenge of maintaining its competitive edge without its most recognizable figure.
For now, all eyes turn to Las Vegas and CJI 2, where Craig Jones will write the final chapter of his competitive career. Whether this truly marks the end of his involvement in professional grappling or simply the beginning of a new phase remains to be seen.
One thing’s certain – the grappling world just got a lot more interesting.
