Grappling superstar Craig Jones has scored a victory over fellow elite grappler Filipe Pena in the main event of UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4.
The pair’s match was held under Eddie Bravo Invitational rules. After the initial 10-minute round had concluded with neither man securing a submission, over time was brought into play. All three overtime periods were used, each time both competitors electing to start with back control, rather than spider web. Jones secured the victory via fastest escape time once the overtime periods had finished.
After the match, Jones was complimentary of his opponent, saying ‘Obviously, Felipe, pound for pound best grappler in the world. I trained with him previously and he was tough. He’s better looking, stronger, weighs more than me. We had to game the rules to win so I used overtime to win.’
Jones teammate Nicky Rodriguez also competed at Fight Pass Invitation 4, winning the four-man absolute tournament and taking home $30,000 USD. Rodriguez and Jones are both coaches and members of B-team jiu jitsu.
‘It’s a good night for B-Team’ Jones said, referring to his teammates victory.
When asked about what is next for his career, Jones said ‘Listen, I’ll do anything for the right price. So that about the limit for me.’
In the post event press conference, Jones claimed his victory over Pena cements him as the best grappler in the world.
‘Given Filipe Pena is pound for pound the best grappler alive right now. Taking him out I believe firmly puts me at number one, and really its hard for me to see anything else to do in this sport.’
When asked if this would be the last time he would compete, Jones said,
‘I say that, but if I spend enough money tonight, I’ll come back for the right price.’
