Craig Jones Biography

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A picture of Craig Jones on a black tee-shirt

Hailing from Australia, Craig Jones is a distinguished grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under the expert guidance of Lachlan Giles. Notably, he extensively collaborated with renowned coach John Danaher, playing a pivotal role in the acclaimed Danaher Death Squad (DDS) competition team throughout the late 2010s and into the early 2020s.

Early Life of Craig Jones (Biography):

Craig Jones, born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, South Australia, exhibited an innate vigor from an early age. Growing up, he immersed himself in a plethora of intense sports, including Australian rules football and basketball. Additionally, he briefly dabbled in taekwondo and judo, showcasing his versatility and thirst for physical challenges. This early affinity for high-energy pursuits also foreshadowed his eventual transition to mixed martial arts (MMA). By the time he reached his 15th birthday, Jones harbored aspirations of stepping into the octagon as a competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Rise to Fame:

Having the UFC firmly in his sights, Craig embarked on his journey by joining his cousin Matt Jones’ BJJ academy, ISOHEALTH, in 2006. Under Matt’s mentorship, Craig began carving out a reputation for himself in Australia’s national grappling circuit. Subsequently, as a purple belt, he made the pivotal move to Maromba Academy in Melbourne, later rebranded as Absolute MMA. Here, his training was further honed under the tutelage of Lachlan Giles.

In December 2015, following a standout performance at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championships, Jones attained the coveted brown belt. Concurrently, he assumed the role of a regular BJJ instructor, sharing his expertise with eager students. A year later, under the guidance of Lachlan Giles, Craig ascended to the esteemed rank of black belt. Moreover, his journey took him across continents, as he immersed himself in training sessions with renowned coach John Danaher in New York City, solidifying his status as one of Danaher’s foremost disciples on the competitive stage.

Professional Achievements:

Polaris 205 lbs Champion (2018)
Polaris 185 lbs Champion (2018 / 2019)
2nd Place ADCC World Championship (2019 / 2022)
3rd Place EBI 11 Invitational (2017)
3rd Place Kasai 2 185lbs Grand Prix (2018)
3rd Place Kasai 5 205lbs Grand Prix (2019)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):

1st Place IBJJF World Championship NoGi (2015 purple)
1st Place AFBJJ Pan Pacific Championship (2014 purple)
1st Place ADCC Asian & Oceania Trials (2014 / 2016)
1st Place NAGA World Championship (2014 purple)
3rd Place UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro (2016 brown)

Net Worth:

In 2023, financial documents filed by Jones and his bankruptcy lawyers revealed that his personal net worth is around $14 million. However, despite this revelation, Jones’s financial situation remains complex.

Persona and Stage Presence:

Furthermore, Jones’s groundbreaking performance at the 2017 ADCC finals captured global attention, as he triumphed over the tournament’s top-seeded 88-kilogram contender, Leandro Lo, through submission. In addition, this victory underscored his prowess and set the stage for his ascent as one of the preeminent grapplers of his era.

Personal Life and Interests:

Craig Jones is not dating anyone publicly. However, despite conflicting information, with some sources suggesting marriage to Susy Jones and others hinting at a relationship with Gabbi Garcia, Jones has not clarified his relationship status.

Moreover, while humorous video clips featuring Jones and Gabbi Garcia surface on social media, it’s crucial to interpret these interactions cautiously. They might signify a close friendship or professional collaboration rather than a romantic involvement. Until Craig Jones provides clarity on his relationship status, it is advisable to refrain from jumping to conclusions and to respect his privacy.

Legacy and Impact:

Building on his rich legacy, Craig founded the B-Team in 2021, a collective comprising several former DDS members, further solidifying his influence in the grappling community. His accolades include clinching the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World No-Gi Championship in 2015, competing in the purple belt division, and securing victory twice in the ADCC Trials.

Throughout his illustrious career, Craig Jones has consistently dazzled audiences, amassing an impressive array of titles, including multiple belt championships in the esteemed Polaris Invitational promotion. His indelible mark on the grappling world serves as a testament to his unparalleled skill and unwavering dedication to his craft.

A picture of Craig Jones bare chest, putting on a short and his championship belt

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Craig Jones biography on his journey from humble beginnings in Australia to becoming a dominant force in the world of grappling is displays his determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Transitioning from his early days at ISOHEALTH to the prestigious ranks of the Danaher Death Squad and beyond, Jones has continually pushed boundaries and shattered expectations. With each triumph, from his resounding victories in the IBJJF World Championship No-Gi to his groundbreaking performances in the ADCC finals, Jones has left an indelible mark on the sport. As he continues to evolve and inspire, his legacy as one of the greatest grapplers of his generation is firmly secured.

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