The Craig Jones Invitational’s (CJI) biggest star has signed on with UFC BJJ.
Nick Rodriguez, who won in both of the $1 million tournaments at the first two CJI events, will be competing at UFC BJJ 6. As announced by the promotion, “Nicky Rod” will face two-time IBJJF no gi world champion Elder Cruz on March 12, 2026.
The pair originally faced off at WNO 11, with Cruz winning by decision. That was back in January 2022 though, when “The Black Belt Slayer” in Rodriguez was still a purple belt and Cruz at brown belt. Both grapplers have made drastic improvements since, with Cruz and Rodriguez going on to win their biggest titles in the years after.
Rodriguez has competed in nine UFC Fight Pass Invitational (UFC FPI) matches in the last three years, but it will be his first time competing at UFC BJJ since its 2025 rebrand.
UFC BJJ also signs jiu-jitsu legend Joao Miyao
This is how the rest of the UFC BJJ 6 line up is shaping up so far:
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