Now that the dust has settled on both the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) and ADCC 2024, there are several fantastic matchups that fans could get to see soon. It was only natural that there would be some exciting matches on the horizon given that both events took place on the same weekend and crowned a total of 10 champions. Not only were there some flawless performances from the gold medalists but there was also some breakout stars who emerged as well. Whether it’s because they won their divisions or just pushed the action in general, there’s plenty of interesting matches that various promotions will be looking to make now.
6 Matchups To Make After CJI And ADCC 2024
With exciting grappling styles everywhere you look at CJI and ADCC 2024, it’s tough to narrow it down to just 6 matchups that would be ideal over the coming months. With several promotions like Polaris and Who’s Number One putting together events in the near-future, there will be no shortage of opportunities for these competitors to face off. With the increase in reputation that they’ve all enjoyed over the course of one weekend, there’s also going to be a lot of money on the table for any of them who are looking to take advantage of the opportunity.
Mica Galvao vs Kade Ruotolo 2
Kade Ruotolo is one of just two people who have ever submitted Mica Galvao and he did it in style in the final of the under 77kg division at ADCC 2022. This was supposed to be the year that Galvao finally got the chance for revenge, but Ruotolo left for CJI instead. That left Galvao to storm through to his first title at ADCC 2024, while Ruotolo won the CJI under 80kg division. Those two performances showed just how much a rematch is needed between these two young competitors, just to re-establish who really is the best grappler in the world at that weight.
Andrew Tackett vs Jacob Rodriguez
Andrew Tackett may not have won CJI but he definitely put on one of the most memorable performances of the whole event. He was relentless from start to finish of every match and he showed that he’s able to keep up one of the highest paces in the sport right now. Jacob Rodriguez on the other hand has always been known for that same skill, but he was able to show an improved technical ability on the way to winning a silver medal at ADCC. A match between these two men is guaranteed fireworks and it would be very interesting to see who can outwork the other.
Giancarlo Bodoni vs Tainan Dalpra
Giancarlo Bodoni retained his status as ADCC world champion and even though the under 88kg division at ADCC 2024 lost some key names to CJI, he still had plenty of tough matchups along the way. Most of the big names missing were ones he’d already beaten at ADCC 2022 and there’s really only one unknown left at under 88kg. Tainan Dalpra has been on fire in his few no gi matches and with a recent win over silver medalist Rodriguez, a match against the reigning champion would be a great idea.
Adele Fornarino vs Ffion Davies 2
Adele Fornarino emerged as the first Australian ADCC world champion and she did it in style, submitting two out of three opponents in the under 55kg division. She returned in the women’s absolute division to repeat her performance by submitting another two out of three opponents, despite a size disadvantage in most outings. There was one notable name missing from the event though, as then-reigning under 60kg champion Ffion Davies was busy competing at CJI instead. Davies submitted Fornarino in their first match in 2022, but the time is ripe for a superfight between them to settle the score for 2024.
Nicky Rodriguez vs Gordon Ryan 3
Nicky Rodriguez was one of the biggest winners emerging from the weekend of ADCC 2024 and CJI as he won four matchups against elite opponents by submission. Rodriguez won the million-dollar grand prize in the over 80kg division at CJI and the first thing he did with his newfound wealth was put it on the line for a rematch with Gordon Ryan. Ryan won his two ADCC superfights on the same weekend but looked less convincing in doing so. It seems like a great time to grand Rodriguez his wish and give him another attempt at beating Gordon Ryan, even if he’s currently 0-2 against him.
Kaynan Duarte vs Gordon Ryan 2
Rodriguez wasn’t the only challenger to Ryan’s crown that emerged and in fact, Kaynan Duarte had an even more impressive performance. While Rodriguez went 4-0 at CJI, Duarte was busy winning 8 straight matchups in a row at ADCC 2024 and taking home two titles. He finished 7 of his opponents to tie with Ryan behind Roger Gracie for most submissions at a single event, and booked a rematch with Ryan in the process. Fans might have to wait till ADCC 2026 to see this match come to fruition, but there’s going to be a ton of interest around it regardless.
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