Although eliminated from the under 88 kg division at the ADCC 2017 world championships, Craig Jones’ day did not end there as he was also invited to partake in the Absolute division.
Training out of the Absolute MMA & BJJ gym in Melbourne, Jones swept past former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen in the opening round, submitting him with a heel hook only 1:52 into the bout.
In the quarter-finals, the 26-year-old met Gordon Ryan, who earlier in the day became the first American to take gold in the under 88 kg division. Jones went three points behind early and was eventually submitted with a head-arm choke. Ryan would go on to make the final of the absolute division before losing via points to Felipe Pena.
Despite the loss, it proved to be a very successful weekend for Jones who on Saturday submitted one of the favourites in Leandro Lo.
Jones was only promoted to BJJ Black Belt in December by his coach and fellow 2017 ADCC competitor Lachlan Giles.
His next scheduled to compete at the Coffs Harbour invitational when he meets Australian and Pan-Pacific champion Robert Dib Frias in a submission only super-fight.
ADCC 2017 took place this year in Finland and was broadcast live via subscription on FloGrappling.com
Update: Craig Jones is scheduled to participate on the Submission Underground card in Portland, USA, October 2 AEST. He faces Ben Egli
