Craig Jones once again proved why he is one of the most creative and dangerous submission specialists in grappling. At the Craig Jones Invitational 2, held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, the Australian star faced late replacement Chael Sonnen after Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson withdrew with injury.
Despite Sonnen’s experience as a two-time UFC title challenger, he lasted only minutes against Jones, who locked in not one but two buggy chokes that ended the contest in bizarre and emphatic fashion.
Sonnen Steps In On Short Notice
Originally, Jones was scheduled to face Steveson, who pulled out days before the event due to a turf toe injury. Sonnen stepped in to save the main event of CJI 2, and he immediately went on the offensive.
The veteran secured an early takedown and worked from side control, but Jones baited him into a buggy choke from bottom position. Sonnen briefly lost consciousness before regaining his composure and asking to continue.
Double Buggy Choke Seals the Outcome
Undeterred, Sonnen shot for another takedown in the restart and again found himself trapped in the same submission. Jones cinched the choke even tighter the second time, leaving Sonnen unconscious for a second time in under ten minutes of action.
Referee John McCarthy laughed off Sonnen’s request for a best-of-five series and waved off the bout, declaring Jones the winner by submission.
A Night of High Stakes at CJI 2
The Jones-Sonnen clash was part of a stacked card that showcased the unique team-based format of CJI 2.
The B Team claimed the $1 million prize by edging New Wave via technical decision, with Nick Rodriguez’s dominant performance in the final match proving decisive.
In the women’s $100,000 bracket, Helena Crevar earned a highlight submission win, finishing Sarah Galvão with a slick Aoki lock to cap off her breakout moment.
Jones Continues to Entertain
For Jones, the win over Sonnen may not carry competitive weight given Sonnen’s lack of recent grappling experience, but it added another viral clip to his growing legacy. Known for mixing elite-level technique with charisma, Jones delivered both with a flashy walkout performance and a submission that sent the crowd into disbelief.
The buggy choke, once considered a novelty move, has become a dangerous weapon in Jones’ arsenal, and he used it to full effect in front of a global audience.
What’s Next for Craig Jones
With another successful showcase in the books, Jones remains one of grappling’s most marketable stars. Whether he pursues another high-profile superfight or doubles down on building the Invitational brand, his ability to blend entertainment with elite skill ensures his place as a cornerstone of modern submission grappling.
As for Sonnen, his short-notice cameo reminded the crowd why he has always been willing to take risks, even outside his comfort zone. While his competitive future remains uncertain, his presence added star power to an event that continues to raise the profile of professional grappling.
Full Results: CJI2
SUNDAY AUGUST 31
Women’s $100k bracket winner
Helen Crevar def. Sarah Galvao via aoki lock (wins $100k)
Team semifinals
B Team def. Team Australia via last man standing
Chris Wojcik def. Lucas Kanard – double elimination draw
Nick Rodriguez def. Kenta Iwamoto – double elimination draw
Ethan Crelinsten def. Declan Moody – double elimination draw
Victor Hugo def. Fabricio Audrey – via katagatame
Victor Hugo def. Belal Etiabari – via kat
New Wave def. Atos via last man standing
Vagner Rocha def. Kaynan Duarte – double elimination draw
Mica Galvao def. Lucas Hulk Barbosa – double elimination draw
Luke Griffith def. Diego Pato – double elimination draw
Felipe Pena def. Luke Griffith via armbar
Dorian Olivarez def. Felipe Pena – double elimination draw
Giancarlo Bodoni def. Ronaldo Junior via armbar
SATURDAY AUGUST 30
- Team Quarterfinals
- New Wave defeats Team Americas, judges decision
- Luke Griffith (+99kg) vs Pat Downey (+99kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Elijah Dorsey (-88kg) vs Vagner Rocha (-88kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Giancarlo Bodoni (-99kg) defeats Gavin Corbe (66kg) by submission
- Taylor Pearman (-99kg) defeats Giancarlo Bodoni (-99kg) by submission
- Taylor Pearman (-99kg) vs Dorian Olivarez (-66kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Mica Galvao (-77kg) vs Deandre Corbe (-77kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Luke Griffith (+99kg) vs Pat Downey (+99kg) – DRAW
- Team Atos defeats Team Europe, judges decision
- Lucas Barbosa (-88kg) vs Pawel Jaworski (-77kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Ronaldo Junior (-77kg) vs Charles Negromonte (-99kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Kaynan Duarte (-99kg) vs Owen Jones (-66kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Felipe Pena (+99kg) vs Marcin Maciulewicz (+99kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Diego Pato Oliveira (-66kg) vs Paul Ardila (-88kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Lucas Barbosa (-88kg) vs Pawel Jaworski (-77kg) – DRAW
- Team Australasia defeat 10th Planet
- PJ Barch (-88kg) vs Lucas Kanard (-88kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Ryan Aitken (-99kg) vs Declan Moody (+99kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Alan Sanchez (-77kg) vs Fabricio Andrey (-66kg) – DRAW
- Belal Etiabari (+99kg) defeats Geo Martinez (-66kg) by submission
- Kyle Boehm (+99kg) defeats Belal Etiabari (+99kg) by submission
- Kyle Boehm (+99kg) vs Kenta Iwamoto (-77kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- PJ Barch (-88kg) vs Lucas Kanard (-88kg) – DRAW
- B Team defeats Daisy Fresh
- Jozef Chen (-77kg) vs Max Hanson (-66kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Nicky Rod (-99kg) defeats Brandon Reed (+99kg) by submission
- Nicky Rod (-99kg) vs Michael Pixley (-99kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Chris Wojcik (-88kg) vs Jacob Couch (-88kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Victor Hugo (+99kg) vs Dante Leon (-77kg) – DRAW
- No submission, double elimination
- Jozef Chen (-77kg) vs Max Hanson (-66kg) – DRAW
- New Wave defeats Team Americas, judges decision
- Women’s Bracket ($100,000)
- Helena Crevar defeats Adele Fornarino
- Sarah Galvao defeats Ana Carolina Vieira
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