CJI Day 1 full results, highlights

As a seasoned grappler with decades of experience under my belt, I must say, this tournament is shaping up to be quite the spectacle! The matches we’ve seen so far have been nothing short of exhilarating.

The inaugural Craig Jones Invitational kicked off with a day packed with unexpected victories, thrilling conclusions, and a touch of debate. This groundbreaking event is the brainchild of grappler Craig Jones, created as a reaction to ADCC’s questionable athlete remuneration. In retaliation, Jones has organized two weight classes (over 80kg and under 80kg), with the winners of each bracket receiving an impressive $1 million prize.

The competitions unfolded at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center over two days, starting on Friday and continuing through Saturday. On Day 1, the initial rounds for each division were held, during which many competitors faced unexpected defeats, grueling submissions, or tight judge decisions. For a comprehensive overview of the results, as well as some key moments from the event, see below.

CJI over 80kg full results, highlights

First round:

Nicky Rod defeated Max Gimenis via submission (rear-naked choke) — Round 2, 1:45

Nicky Rod Submits Max Gimenis to Win the First Ever Match at The Craig Jones Invitational.
— Lock-In Jiu-Jitsu (@lockinjiujitsu) August 16, 2024

Owen Livesey defeated Mahamed Aly via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Adam Bradley defeated Kyle Boehm via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Pat Downey defeated Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25, 30-26)

Lucas Kanard defeated Victor Hugo via submission (heel hook) — Round 1, 1:10

Lucas Kanard taps Victor Hugo in a massive upset#CJI
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) August 17, 2024

Inacio Santos defeated Pedro Alex via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Fellipe Andrew defeated Daniel Kerkvliet via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Joao Gabriel Rocha defeated William Tackett via unanimous decision

Quarterfinals:

Nicky Rod defeated Owen Livesey via submission (rear-naked choke) — Round 1, 3:41

At long last, I found myself fully harnessing my folkstyle expertise during our recent match against Owen Livesey. I capitalized on split leg drags, cross-rides, and inside wrist controls to compel him into an exposed back position, leaving him flat on his belly and conceding his neck.
— Josie Aldo (@JosieAldoMMA) August 17, 2024

Adam Bradley defeated Pat Downey via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Inacio Santos defeated Lucas Kanard via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Fellipe Andrew defeated Joao Gabriel Rocha via unanimous decision

ADVANCING TO THE SEMIFINALS: Nicky Rod, Adam Bradley, Inacio Santos, and Fellipe Andrew.

CJI under 80kg full results, highlights

First round:

Tye Ruotolo defeated Jason Nolf via submission (kneebar) — Round 3, 4:16

As a devoted follower, I can’t help but admire the fierce reverse triangle, spine-cracking crank, and relentless foot lock sequences demonstrated by Tye Ruotolo. And let’s not forget the incredible survival instincts and indomitable spirit showcased by Jason Nolf – truly inspiring!
— Josie Aldo (@JosieAldoMMA) August 17, 2024

Levi Jones-Leary defeated Roberto Jimenez via submission (inside heel hook) — Round 1, 1:53

As a gamer, I’d say: I pulled off something wild last night! Levi Jones-Leary was like a cunning octopus with his inversions and berimbolos. He took down the tournament favorite, Roberto Jimenez, using an inside heel hook from a backside 50/50 that transformed into an inside leg entanglement. Now, I’m steering clear of MMA completely after that intense spectacle!
— Josie Aldo (@JosieAldoMMA) August 17, 2024

Lucas Barbosa defeated Kenta Iwamoto via unanimous decision

Jozef Chen defeated Andy Varela via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)

Kade Ruotolo defeated Matheus Diniz via submission (straight ankle lock) — Round 1, 4:43

Kade Ruotolo replaces Matheus Diniz at the start of the first round. Could it be possible for the twins to face each other in the finals of the $1M CJI event?
— Anton Tabuena (@antontabuena) August 17, 2024

Tommy Langaker defeated Renato Canuto via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Eoghan O’Flanagan defeated Magid Hage via submission (outside heel hook) — Round 1, 1:41

Eoghan O’Flanagan submits Magid Hage 🤯🤯
— Bteamjj (@bteamjj) August 17, 2024

Andrew Tackett defeated Nicky Ryan via unanimous decision (30-24, 30-24, 30-25)

Quarterfinals:

Levi Jones-Leary defeated Tye Ruotolo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Lucas Barbosa defeated Jozef Chen via submission (knee crush) — Round 3, 3:34

🚨| Lucas Barbosa manages to submit Jozef Chen using a knee squeeze technique, despite trailing 2-0 in the first two rounds, and advances to the -80kg semi-final at #CJI. 👏🔥🔥
In the next bout, he’ll be up against Levi Jones-Leary, who just pulled off an upset over top seed Tye Ruotolo in the quarterfinals. 🏆
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) August 17, 2024

Kade Ruotolo defeated Tommy Langaker via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Andrew Tackett defeated Eoghan O’Flanagan via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

ADVANCING TO THE SEMIFINALS: Levi Jones-Leary, Lucas Barbosa, Kade Ruotolo, Andrew Tackett

2024-08-17 21:13