BJJ stars Craig Jones and Mikey Musumeci acquired right into a heated debate over unique contracts of their sport.
Earlier this yr, Musumeci made historical past when he left ONE Championship to signal an unique cope with the Final Preventing Championship as a part of the promotion’s latest growth into the world of submission grappling.
Nonetheless, not everyone seems to be large on the concept of BJJ athletes being unique to particular organizations. That features Jones, the proprietor of the Craig Jones Invitational.
“I feel unique contracts are literally dangerous for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a result of they stifle competitors and innovation,” Jones stated throughout an interview with Demetrious Johnson. “When athletes can’t compete the place they need, you find yourself with a monopoly that units all of the phrases. The athletes lose leverage, the followers get fewer matchups, and the development of the game slows down drastically.
“Let’s be actual, the UFC BJJ format principally took every thing from CJI—the pit, the ruleset, even the advertising and marketing. I’m not mad about it, however let’s name it what it’s. If one thing works, persons are going to repeat it, however giving credit score issues. CJI made an impression, and everybody seen.
“If we begin locking fighters into unique contracts, the game will undergo in the long term. You’ll have athletes caught in organizations, not rising, not going through one of the best. You need one of the best preventing one of the best—you need competitors, and in martial arts that’s how you discover out who’s actually primary.”
Musumeci defends his choice to signal with UFC BJJ
Musumeci, who was additionally available, provided some perception into his choice to signal with the UFC.
“For me, signing with UFC BJJ was about safety, but additionally about rising with a corporation that has a world attain. I perceive the criticism, however the alternative to deliver jiu-jitsu to new followers and audiences is large. I consider if the game grows, all people wins—athletes, promoters, and followers.”
Whose aspect are you on?
