Final team revealed for CJI 2: Two wrestling champs join $1 million BJJ tournament

All eight teams have been confirmed for the $1 million team tournament at the Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2) event this August.

Five of the biggest Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) academies, plus three regional “misfits” teams will be competing in a Quintet-style tournament. B-Team, New Wave, Atos, and 10th Planet were the first four confirmed teams, and as noted earlier, joining them is “Daisy Fresh” or Pedigo Submission Fighting.

Pedigo Submission Fighting’s CJI 2 official team roster

Craig Jones also announced the five members that will be representing Daisy Fresh at CJI 2. The team will be led by Dante Leon, who despite competing at just 77 kg, beat far bigger men to take bronze at the ADCC 2024 absolute division.

Taking the slot at 88 kg is ADCC East Coast trials winner Jacob Couch, while Max Hanson will be cutting down to 66 kg.

Two champion wrestlers turned BJJ stars will take up the two heaviest slots for Pedigo Submission Fighting. NCAA Division II wrestling champ Michael Pixley, who is known for upsetting and choking out Nicholas Meregali at ADCC 2024, will be their representative at 99 kg. Lastly, three-time NAIA wrestling champion Brandon Reed will be taking the over 99 kg slot.

This final line up also means that the team will seemingly forgo the option to have a “wild card” pick to include BJJ stars from smaller teams, much like B-Team and Team Australasia utilized. With two powerhouse wrestlers, ADCC vets, and someone like Leon who can take out heavier foes though, the Daisy Fresh line up should still pose a lot of issues to other teams.

“Daisy Fresh” Pedigo Submission Fighting Roster

66 kg: Max Hanson

77 kg: Dante Leon

88 kg: Jacob Couch

99 kg: Michael Pixley

+99 kg: Brandon Reed

Coach: Heath Pedigo

For the rest of the BJJ team rosters and current fight card for CJI 2, check here.

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