Craig Jones was born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, South Australia. Highly active from a young age, he participated in sports such as Australian rules football, basketball, taekwondo, and judo. His early fascination with combat sports fueled his ambition to become a UFC fighter. At age 15, Jones began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at ISOHEALTH, the academy led by his cousin Matt Jones. Under Matt's mentorship, Craig rapidly distinguished himself on the Australian national grappling circuit, establishing a strong technical base and competitive mindset that would shape his future career.

After building a reputation locally, Jones transitioned to Maromba Academy in Melbourne (later Absolute MMA) as a purple belt, training under Lachlan Giles. His competitive acumen was on display when he earned his brown belt following a standout performance at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championships in December 2015. During his brown belt tenure, Jones also took on regular teaching responsibilities, deepening his technical understanding and refining his instructional skills. In 2016, Lachlan Giles promoted him to black belt. Jones’s international breakthrough came through high-profile events and superfights, where his innovative approach—particularly in leg entanglements and back takes—captured global attention and marked him as a tactical threat on the world stage.

Seeking to elevate his game, Jones relocated to New York to train under John Danaher at Renzo Gracie Academy. Immersed in Danaher’s system, Jones became one of the most prominent members of the Danaher Death Squad (DDS), specializing in advanced leg lock systems and positional tactics. His technical precision and adaptability contributed to the team’s dominance in major competitions. In 2021, the DDS disbanded amid disagreements over location, personality conflicts, and brand direction. Jones later addressed internal conflicts within DDS, publicly discussing issues related to team culture and the conduct of certain teammates, notably referencing disputes with Gordon Ryan.

In 2021, following the DDS split, Jones co-founded B-Team Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas, alongside Nicky Ryan, Nick Rodriguez, and Ethan Crelinsten. The B-Team was conceived as a contrast to the intense, hierarchical environment of DDS, emphasizing a culture of playfulness, experimentation, and open-mindedness. Jones’s coaching philosophy balanced rigorous technical training with humor and approachability, fostering an environment where athletes could thrive both competitively and personally. Under his mentorship, grapplers like Nicky Rodriguez and Ethan Crelinsten achieved significant success, while Jones’s leadership style—marked by technical depth and levity—became a defining element of the B-Team’s identity.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Jones established himself as a sought-after MMA grappling coach. In 2021, he served as the jiu-jitsu coach for Alexander Volkanovski on The Ultimate Fighter (Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega), where his humor and creativity were on display, including a memorable prank involving a rival coach’s COVID test swab. Jones also cornered Volkanovski in UFC title fights, contributing critical submission defense strategies and escape systems that proved decisive in high-pressure moments. His ability to translate BJJ concepts to MMA made him a valued asset for elite fighters. Embracing humor as part of his public persona, Jones adopted the moniker “Second Best Grappler,” using self-deprecating wit to engage fans and highlight his willingness to challenge conventions.

Frustrated by the limited financial opportunities in professional grappling, Jones launched the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) in 2024. The event introduced a groundbreaking $2 million prize pool and was scheduled to directly compete with the ADCC 2024 World Championship in Las Vegas, even securing the same arena as a statement of protest. CJI featured two 16-man brackets (under 80kg and over 80kg), awarding $1 million to each winner, and was streamed for free on YouTube to maximize athlete exposure and fan engagement. Jones’s athlete-first approach challenged the status quo in grappling promotions, emphasizing transparency and fair compensation. He continued to innovate with plans for CJI 2, introducing a team format and a women’s division with a million-dollar prize, reinforcing his role as a disruptive force in the sport’s business landscape.

Throughout his career, Jones has been outspoken about promotional practices and the drawbacks of exclusive contracts in BJJ. His rivalry with Gordon Ryan featured both high-stakes matches and public disputes, including allegations of abuse within DDS. Jones also clashed with organizations such as FloGrappling, engaging in viral stunts and advocating for improved athlete representation. In early 2025, Jones reconciled with his former coach John Danaher, publicly sharing a photo of their handshake and signaling an end to their long-standing feud. This act of reconciliation resonated within the BJJ community, demonstrating Jones’s willingness to mend relationships while maintaining competitive and coaching ties with former teammates and rivals.

In July 2025, Craig Jones announced his retirement from competition and the conclusion of his tenure with B-Team Jiu-Jitsu as the team moved forward without him. Renowned for his technical innovation—particularly in leg locks and passing systems—Jones blended elite competition with humor and athlete advocacy. His influence extends to the next generation of grapplers through his coaching, mentorship, and entrepreneurial ventures such as the CJI. Jones’s legacy is defined by his commitment to athlete empowerment, his readiness to challenge established norms, and his unique ability to combine technical mastery with a culture of laughter and learning.