This past weekend, the world of submission grappling was electrified by two major events: the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) and the ADCC 2024 World Championships. Both tournaments showcased the sport's top talents, delivering thrilling matches and crowning champions who demonstrated unparalleled skill and tenacity.
Craig Jones Invitational Highlights
The Craig Jones Invitational, known for its unique and entertaining format, saw some of the sport's biggest names vying for glory. In the over 80kg division, Nicky Rodriguez, commonly known as Nicky Rod, emerged as the champion. Nicky Rod, known for his exceptional wrestling and explosive submissions, secured his victory with a rear-naked choke in the final, earning a staggering $1 million prize. His dominant performance throughout the tournament, characterized by his relentless pressure and impeccable technique, solidified his status as one of the top heavyweights in the sport.
In the under 80kg division, Kade Ruotolo took home the top prize, also pocketing $1 million. Kade, known for his dynamic and aggressive style, delivered an impressive performance in the final, showcasing his versatility and resilience. His ability to adapt to his opponents' strategies and maintain control in high-pressure situations was a testament to his growth as a grappler.
The CJI also featured a highly anticipated superfight between Craig Jones himself and Gabi Garcia. In a surprising and entertaining bout, Jones secured a victory via rear-naked choke, demonstrating his technical prowess even against a much larger opponent.
ADCC 2024 World Championships Highlights
The ADCC World Championships, often regarded as the pinnacle of submission grappling, did not disappoint, with numerous high-profile athletes competing for the coveted titles. In the -99kg division, Kaynan Duarte continued his reign of dominance, capturing his third consecutive ADCC title. Duarte's victory was marked by his precise technique and strategic control, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest grapplers of his generation.
In the +99kg division, Felipe Pena emerged victorious, adding another prestigious ADCC title to his resume. Pena's ability to control and submit his opponents, even in a division filled with the sport's heaviest and strongest competitors, was nothing short of remarkable.
In the women's divisions, Rafaela Guedes took home the gold in the +65kg category, showcasing her dominance in a highly competitive bracket. Meanwhile, Adele Fornarino made history by winning both the -55kg and Absolute divisions, becoming the first Australian to achieve such a feat in ADCC history.
The -88kg division saw Giancarlo Bodoni defend his title in a hard-fought match against Jay Rodriguez, while Mica Galvão achieved a Super Grand Slam by defeating Vagner Rocha in the -77kg division. These victories highlight the incredible depth of talent in the sport and the intense competition at the ADCC.
Conclusion
This past weekend was a showcase of the best in submission grappling, with both the Craig Jones Invitational and the ADCC 2024 World Championships delivering unforgettable moments. The winners from both events have solidified their places among the sport's elite, and their performances will be remembered as some of the most thrilling in recent grappling history. As the sport continues to grow, these champions will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of grapplers to push the boundaries of what is possible on the mats.
