The main event of the Craig Jones Invitational 2 has taken a dramatic turn, as MMA & wrestling icon Chael Sonnen has agreed to step in on just days notice to face Craig Jones. The bout was originally slated to feature 2020 Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson, but Jones will now meet the outspoken MMA legend in what promises to be an unpredictable and entertaining showdown of big personalities. Steveson was forced to withdraw from the event due to a toe injury, opening the door for Sonnen’s surprise return to the competitive stage.

Sonnen, one of the most recognizable figures in MMA history, brings decades of combat sports experience and an unmatched ability to draw attention with his trash talk & personality. Known as much for his sharp wit and promotional flair as his skills on the mat, Sonnen has competed at the highest levels of wrestling and mixed martial arts. Ask any of his fans and they will tell you he is undefeated, undisputed, and untouched. While Chael has limited submission grappling experience, he has competed at ADCC Worlds and is a black belt in jiu-jitsu.

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Jones, widely regarded as one of the top submission artists in the world, will look to put on a show against Sonnen while continuing to juggle responsibilities as both a competitor and event organizer. The two faced off at the 2017 ADCC World Championships, with Jones winning by submission.

CJI 2 will feature a team tournament with eight of the top squads in the world vying for a $1,000,000 grand prize. Elite grappling pro teams like Atos, B-Team, Kingsway, 10th Planet, and Pedigo Submission Fighting in the mix it's gearing up to be one of the craziest sub-only tournaments of all-time. On top of that will be the 4-women bracket for $100,000 - the largest cash prize for any woman's bracket ever in the sport.

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The sudden change only heightens the excitement surrounding CJI 2, reinforcing the event’s reputation for unpredictability and spectacle. Fans tuning in live will get to witness a main event that blends high-level grappling with the larger-than-life personalities of two of the sport’s most talked-about figures.

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