The inaugural UFC BJJ 1 grappling event kicks off TONIGHT (Wednesday, June 25, 2025) at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, showcasing three vacant titles up for grabs. Headlining the card, five-time IBJJF world championMikey Musumeci battles Rerisson Gabriel for the inaugural UFC BJJ bantamweight title.
While the UFC’s bold leap into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is generating buzz, Craig Jones, the self-proclaimed “King of Jiu-Jitsu,” is fuming over UFC CEO Dana White allegedly stealing his “ideas.” Today, Jones escalated his feud with a provocative statement.
Jones posted a video on his Instagram of him firing a rocket launcher, blowing up a mannequin with White’s face on it, while saying “f—k the UFC.”
Watch the video below:
“People think I’m taking this UFC BJJ very personal, but I wish their finale today all the success in the world,” Jones said in his video. “Obviously, they stole the pit, the rules, the judges, they’re blocking staff from working our event, but I hope the finale goes off with a bang today. I hope all you guys tune in to watch my ideas come to fruition on the UFC YouTube channel.”
The UFC undeniably drew inspiration from Jones’ Craig Jones Invitational (CJI). Previously, all UFC jiu-jitsu events used a traditional flat mat, but they’ve now embraced a bowl-style arena. The UFC also adopted Jones’ scoring system, applying MMA’s 10-9 must system to grappling matches.
For months, Jones has been vocal against the UFC, criticizing their “exploitative” BJJ contracts and their The Ultimate Fighter-style BJJ reality show, which he claims mimics his ideas.
Stay tuned for Jones’ reaction to the UFC BJJ results and any further developments in this heated rivalry.
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