This week on the show, Maine and Miranda conclude the deep dive into the highly-anticipated men's Quintet bracket for Craig Jones Invitational 2. In the second and final part of our preview, we break down the remaining four super-teams and their wildcards, analyzing the strengths of each athlete, their best wins and accolades and why this is one of the biggest super tournaments ever put together for the $1 million prize.
In the news section of the show we discuss the drop out of Gable Steveson in his match vs Craig Jones via turf toe and his recently scheduled MMD debut at LFA scheduled 12 days after CJI2. We talk about possible links between the two and the possible impact of this drop out at the event.
Our breakdown kicks off with the New Wave Jiu-Jitsu squad coached by John Danaher. We look at their championship roster, which includes the phenomenal 19-year-old prodigy Dorian Olivarez, generational talent and 2024 ADCC World Champion Mica Galvão, the 4 time consecutive ADCC medalist and veteran Vagner Rocha. We also discuss two-time ADCC Champion Giancarlo Bodoni's move up to the -99 kg division and the team's anchor moving up to +99 Luke Griffith.
Next, we analyze B-Team Jiu-Jitsu coached by Nicky Ryan. We discuss how their lineup features young veteran two-time ADCC trials winner Ethan Crelinsten, 2023 ADCC European Trials winner Jozef Chen, and the reigning CJI 1 +80kg Champion, Nick Rodriguez. Plus discuss Chris Wojcik and the Woj lock. We also look at the massive impact of their wildcard, five-time IBJJF World Champion Victor Hugo.
We then turn our attention to Team Atos, one of the most decorated teams in the tournament. Their team features a lineup of champions, including reigning ADCC double gold champion Kaynan Duarte, legendary heavyweight Felipe "Preguiça" Pena, who famously won over Gordon Ryan to win the 2017 ADCC Absolute title, two-time ADCC medalist Lucas "Hulk" Barbosa, and the explosive Ronaldo Junior. We also discuss their wildcard Diego "Pato" Oliveira.
Finally, we break down the squad from Pedigo Submission Fighting. We discuss their cohesive unit of homegrown talent, including two-time ADCC bronze medalist and guillotine specialist Dante Leon and leg lock specialist Jacob "The Hillbilly Hammer" Couch, who submitted all seven of his opponents at the 2023 ADCC East Coast Trials. We also look at the elite wrestling pedigree brought by Michael Pixley, who scored one of the year's biggest upsets with his submission of Nicholas Meregali, and wrestling stand out Brandon Reed.
In the outro we discuss the lead up to CJI2 and travel.
Recorded 8-25-2025.
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