In what can only be described as a masterclass in submission grappling, Craig Jones delivered a performance that left veteran competitor Chael Sonnen unconscious not once, but twice during their highly anticipated retirement match.
During the second day of the CJI2 event, the Australian submission specialist wasted no time establishing his dominance from the opening moments. When Sonnen secured an early single leg takedown and transitioned into a body lock position, it appeared the experienced American might dictate the pace. However, Jones had other plans entirely.
“Oh, he turned it right away!” exclaimed the commentary team as Jones immediately reversed the position and launched into his signature attacking style. What followed was a textbook display of the creative grappling that has made Jones a fan favorite worldwide.
“Oh, look at the body choke! Body choke straight away!” the commentators called out as Jones seamlessly transitioned to his first submission attempt. The speed of the transition caught even seasoned observers off guard.
But Jones wasn’t finished. In a display of technical versatility that has become his calling card, he simultaneously began working toward a triangle choke while maintaining pressure with the body submission. “This is the unorthodox jiu-jitsu that we know from Craig Jones,” noted the commentary.
The commentators’ excitement was palpable as they witnessed the dual threat unfold: “Look at that, the triangle getting locked up as well. That is tight, that is hard.” The combination proved too much for Sonnen to handle, forcing him to submit to avoid further damage.
“Gets the tap! Submission!” came the call, but the drama was far from over. In a surprising turn of events, despite tapping out, Sonnen had already succumbed to the effects of the choke. “Craig is chilled out. He’s unconscious!” the commentators revealed, highlighting the effectiveness of Jones’s technique.
The double submission finish has already generated significant discussion within the grappling community, with many praising Jones’s ability to execute such a complex sequence under pressure. The performance served as a fitting conclusion to what many consider one of the most entertaining retirement matches in recent memory.
