In the electrifying world of combat sports, where egos clash and legacies are forged, two titans are gearing up for a showdown that’s got fans buzzing. Craig Jones, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) icon known for his submission wizardry, is set to face Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist whose wrestling prowess has made him a household name. Their stage? The Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2), a grappling extravaganza slated for August 31, 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. This isn’t just a fight; it’s a collision of disciplines, pitting BJJ’s crafty submissions against wrestling’s raw power. But what’s fueling the hype?

Well, a recent reunion and a provocative eight-word message that’s set social media ablaze. Gable and Craig both showed up in the now-viral Instagram video. But what does this reunion mean for their upcoming shuffle? After all, the Instagram post is where the drama kicked off. Jones, never one to shy away from a jab, shared a video of himself and Steveson, their grins masking the intensity of what’s coming.

Captioned with a bold eight-word taunt—“August 31, one of us is going down…”—the post sent waves through the grappling community. The video shows the pair in a lighthearted yet charged moment, hinting at a familiarity that could stem from prior training. Jones’s caption, dripping with his signature humor, reignites the wrestling vs. BJJ debate, while Steveson’s presence signals he’s ready to test his Olympic pedigree in a new arena. 

The post has racked up attention, but why is this fight such a big deal? As August 31 approaches, the Thomas & Mack Center will be electric. CJI 2’s team format, inspired by Japan’s Quintet promotion, ensures non-stop action, but all eyes will be on Jones vs. Steveson. The rules favor aggression, with a pit-style mat to minimize stalling—a nod to CJI’s fan-friendly ethos.

While Jones is a submission machine, on the other hand, Steveson’s wrestling base and recent boxing training could make this an ever-intense match. Will Jones’ leg locks clip Steveson’s wings, or will the Olympian’s power rewrite the grappling narrative? One thing’s certain: when these two lock horns, someone’s going down. Who’s your pick for the CJI 2 superfight?

Gable Steveson is gearing up for UFC glory

Gable Steveson, the wrestling powerhouse, is now eyeing a brand new challenge: the UFC octagon. After dipping his toes into the world of WWE, the incredibly talented 24-year-old is making it clear he’s got his sights set on mixed martial arts glory. “I want to put the gloves on,” Steveson stated on Mike Perry’s Overdogs Podcast, his ambition ringing clear.

“I want to be a UFC star. I want to be a champion. I want to hold that belt up high and be in the heavyweight division.” His game plan? He’s not rushing in. Instead, he’s taking the time to sharpen his skills, aiming for a UFC debut that’s nothing short of explosive. But the big question everyone’s asking is, can this wrestling phenom truly conquer the complex world of MMA?

To show he’s serious, Steveson has been putting in the work at the renowned Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, even training alongside UFC legend Jon Jones. This isn’t just dabbling; it’s a strong statement of intent as he refines his striking and grappling to compete in the UFC’s stacked heavyweight ranks.

With a wrestling background that includes two NCAA titles and an incredible 70-match winning streak in college, Gable Steveson’s foundation is undeniably solid. However, making the jump to MMA means mastering a whole new set of skills. As he gets ready for a potential run in the UFC, the entire combat sports world is watching with bated breath. Will Steveson’s incredible Olympic success translate into becoming a major force in MMA?