Nightmare for Team Khabib Continues as BJJ Star Craig Jones Taunts Dagestani Wrestling 

Australian BJJ coach Craig Jones mocks Team Khabib ahead of Islam Makhachev's potential title bout with Jack Della Maddalena.

Nightmare for Team Khabib Continues as BJJ Star Craig Jones Taunts Dagestani Wrestling 

Craig Jones believes he's the only one capable of beating Dagestani wrestling (via X)

The Dagestani wrestling style built a legendary reputation, largely due to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s and Islam Makhachev’s dominant, undefeated UFC reigns. Team Khabib’s pressure and sambo-based control created an aura of invincibility that frustrated and overwhelmed even the most elite fighters. However, every system eventually meets its counter, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Craig Jones is determined to dismantle this dominance.

Craig Jones first joined featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski’s team in 2016, becoming instrumental in sharpening the champion’s ground defense skills. He previously analyzed and prepared for Makhachev’s wrestling when Volkanovski faced the Dagestani in a highly competitive UFC matchup. Now assisting Jack Della Maddalena, Jones aims to expose Dagestani weaknesses while humorously mocking Russian fighters through a viral skit.

The one thing every Russian man fears.

Craig Jones via Instagram 

.Although Volkanovski lost against Makahchev via unanimous decision, his performance showcased Jones’ impact and elevated the grappling coach’s profile. Volkanovski earned a rematch ten months later, but this time, Makhachev secured a dominant first-round knockout, silencing critics and shocking fans. Since then, Jones has been waiting for an opportunity to get back at Team Khabib.

Despite the rematch outcome, Craig Jones didn’t hold back from trolling Team Khabib, using humor that was both sharp and personal. He recently mocked both Nurmagomedov and Belal Muhammad in a viral video where he mentioned that their brotherhood is a fake. The Australian has also claimed that he would beat the ‘Eagle’ in a BJJ fight with a buggy choke with ease. 

Jones was also a major figure in Della Maddalena’s UFC 315 camp, helping neutralize Muhammad’s takedowns and forcing a striking-heavy bout. Thanks to Jones’s game plan, Maddalena maintained control standing and stuffed nearly every takedown with precision and confidence. Now with Makhachev and JDM verbally agreeing to fight each other, Jones has another chance to take revenge. 

 UFC veteran warns Islam Makhachev before his much-anticipated welterweight move 

Islam Makhachev has long desired to become a two-division champion, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to chase UFC history. With Belal Muhammad as champion, the path seemed complicated, but opportunity knocked when Jack Della Maddalena captured the welterweight title. Maddalena has accepted the challenge and hopes to defend his belt against Makhachev in his hometown of Perth, Australia.

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev soon
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev soon (via X)

Makhachev has defended his title four times, solidifying his dominance and earning the top spot in pound-for-pound rankings. Despite being the fan favorite, Makhachev now faces serious doubt after Della Maddalena’s masterclass performance at UFC 315 impressed many. Veteran fighter Stephen Thompson recently spoke about the matchup, sharing his thoughts on Maddalena’s skills and potential to shock Makhachev.

A lot of these 170s walk around real heavy. I’m talking about over 205lb, 210 into 215lb, some of the guys I’ve faced would walk around at that weight. I think the height, they might be the same height or JDM might be a little taller but I see these guys and I see their strengths, Islam is going to have a tough time. Now, do I think he can get it done? Yes. I think he’s that good of a grappler, but I think JDM has faced some of the best welterweight grapplers and wrestlers in the division. So I think it’s going to be a tough night for him

Stephen Thompson via Submission Radio 

Makhachev and his team appear fully prepared for every scenario, expressing strong confidence about beating JDM. Coach Javier Mendez emphasized Makhachev’s strategy, insisting he won’t repeat Muhammad’s costly mistakes against a powerful and well-rounded opponent like JDM. The fight presents a thrilling opportunity for Makhachev to elevate his already impressive legacy by securing a dominant second UFC title.