Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has heaped praise on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Craig Jones, calling him a more effective promoter than UFC president Dana White.
Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, has followed his career beyond the UFC with success in ONE Championship and through his popular YouTube channel, Mighty, where he provides fighter training, analysis, and discussion panels.
Speaking during a debate between Jones and BJJ rival Mikey Musumeci, Johnson praised the Australian for his promotional skills ahead of the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), a $1 million grappling tournament streamed free-to-air on YouTube.
“They could have used it, turned it, done different things to be able to market me,” Johnson said of his UFC tenure. “But they don’t do it… You’re a better promoter than Dana White, you’re killing it.”
Johnson recalled challenges during his UFC career, including attempts to secure a $1 million fight with TJ Dillashaw, which were refused, and being told by Dana White that he was not the best pound-for-pound fighter, despite his dominance in the flyweight division.
The CJI, promoted by Jones, allows athletes to focus on the sport itself while still drawing attention through engaging promotional content. Johnson highlighted this as a key difference compared with the UFC, where he said fighters are expected to shoulder much of the promotional burden.
Jones will compete in a super-fight against Chael Sonnen during the event, which continues to grow his reputation not only as a grappling talent but also as a savvy promoter in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
