Grappling Royalty Reigns Supreme: Craig Jones Puts Chael Sonnen to Sleep Twice at CJI 2

In a truly captivating display of grappling prowess, Australian submission specialist Craig Jones delivered a dominant and memorable performance at the Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2), emphatically defeating mixed martial arts icon Chael Sonnen. The highly anticipated superfight saw Jones submit Sonnen not once, but twice, leaving the seasoned veteran unconscious on both occasions.

The first encounter unfolded with Jones expertly applying an arm-triangle choke, a technique he has perfected over his illustrious career.

Sonnen, known for his incredible toughness and resilience, fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to the pressure, falling unconscious. Referee intervention was swift, halting the contest to ensure Sonnen's safety.

Following a brief recovery and with the unique CJI 2 ruleset allowing for a restart after such an event, the two warriors locked horns once more.

Demonstrating an unwavering focus and relentless pursuit of the finish, Jones quickly transitioned to a rear-naked choke. With the hold cinched in tight, Sonnen again found himself in an inescapable position, and for the second time in the same bout, was rendered unconscious by the grappling phenom.

Despite the decisive victories, Jones displayed immense respect for his opponent.

"Chael is a legend, and it takes a lot of guts to step on the mat with guys like me at his age," Jones commented, acknowledging Sonnen's willingness to test himself against the sport's elite no-gi grapplers. This sentiment underscored the spirit of the event, where competitive fire met mutual admiration.

Sonnen's grappling journey has seen him face a gauntlet of top-tier talent, including prior losses to Jones, Gordon Ryan, and Paulo Costa in no-gi contests.

His storied career in MMA, marked by charisma and high-profile fights, has solidified his place as a fan favorite. However, in the intricate world of submission grappling, Jones showcased why he is considered one of the sport's pound-for-pound best.

The Craig Jones Invitational 2, known for its innovative rule set and substantial prize money, continues to push the boundaries of professional grappling.

With no time limits and a pure submission-only format, the event ensures that matches reach a conclusive end, often through spectacular finishes like those delivered by Jones. This superfight was a stark reminder of Jones's elite skill set and his position at the pinnacle of the grappling world, leaving fans in awe of his clinical efficiency.