A million-dollar heavyweight: Previewing the +80kg division at CJI
We preview the stacked +80kg division at the inaugural CJI, set to go down in Las Vegas on August 16-17.
The inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) has taken the jiu-jitsu world by storm. With a $1 million prize per division, CJI has stacked its two divisions from top to bottom.
The +80kg bracket is loaded with talent including ADCC World medalists, former UFC champions, and an NCAA D-1 wrestling champion.
Before we dive into the favorites, contenders, and dark horses of the division, check out the bracket and full lineup of athletes below.
+80kg
- William Tackett
- Nick Rodriguez
- Luke Rockhold
- Lucas Kanard
- Joao Gabriel Rocha
- Victor Hugo
- Owen Livesey
- Fellipe Andrew
- Max Gimenis
- Adam Bradley
- Inacio Santos
- Pat Downey
- Pedro Alex
- Kyle Boehm
- Mahamed Aly
- Daniel Kerkvliet
The favorites: Nick Rodriguez, William Tackett, Victor Hugo
Nick Rodriguez burst onto the jiu-jitsu scene in 2019 when he took 2nd place at the ADCC World Championships as a blue belt. He added another silver medal at the 2022 ADCC World Championships. “Nicky Rod” is one of the most prominent grapplers in the sport today, consistently winning at the highest levels. He enters CJI as one of the favorites to walk away a millionaire. Rodriguez’s mix of stellar wrestling and brutal bodylock passing make him a nightmare matchup for anyone in this bracket.
William Tackett may be the smallest competitor in this bracket but he will make up for his size disparity with some of the slickest jiu-jitsu in the tournament. Tackett, a two-time ADCC West Coast trials champion is super well-rounded and dangerous wherever the bout may take place. Tackett draws Joao Gabriel Rocha in the first round.
Known for his trademark “Big Man Flow”, Victor Hugo possesses one of the sport’s most dynamic guard games. For being such a giant man, Hugo moves like a lighter-weight grappler. Recent wins over the likes of Dan Manasoiu, Kaynan Duarte and Nick Rodriguez have Hugo primed for a deep run in this tournament.
The Contenders: Luke Rockhold, Kyle Boehm, Fellipe Andrew
Luke Rockhold is one of the most interesting competitors in this bracket. The former UFC champion has experience in the 3×5 round format. Rockhold has always had rock-solid MMA jiu-jitsu, and it will be fascinating to see how that translates at CJI. His first-round matchup against world-class wrestler Pat Downey should be a barnburner however long it lasts.
10th Planet product Kyle Boehm looks to make his mark on the CJI stage. A seasoned competitor, Boehm has a dangerous submission game highlighted by brutal leg lock finishes. His experience in the EBI ruleset having competed in longer matches should prove helpful this weekend in the CJI format.
IBJJF World Champion Fellipe Andrew is one of the most active competitors in the bracket. Andrew has seen most of his success in the gi, so it will be interesting to see how his fan-friendly style translates to the CJI ruleset.
Dark Horses: Daneil Kerkvliet, Owen Livesey, Lucas Kanard
The ultimate dark horse in this bracket is 2024 NCAA Division 1 wrestling Champion, Daniel Kerkvliet. The Penn State heavyweight is a towering figure that moves like a lightweight. The extent of Kekvliet’s jiu-jitsu training is relatively unknown, however, his size and wrestling skills make him one of the most interesting competitors to keep an eye on this weekend. Kerkvliet vs Felipe Andrew as an opening-round match is fascinating.
Hulking judoka Owen Livesey has a style tailor-made for this ruleset. Livesey is a handful on the feet and is known for body locks, front head snap downs, and powerful trips. He welcomes Mahamad Aly back to the mats in his opening bout.
Fans should keep an eye on Lucas Kanard this weekend. The Aussie grappler may be one of the lesser-known in the bracket, but he has all the makings of a bracket buster. Kanard employs an intricate open guard looking to enter and attack leg locks. He draws one of the tournament favorites, Victor Hugo, in his opening bout.
How to watch: The inaugural CJI takes place on August 16-17 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will air live and free on the B-Team’s YouTube Channel.