Craig Jones is predicting a quick submission win for Robert Whittaker at UFC 234.
Jones, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Lachlan Giles, is based in Melbourne, Australia, where he trains at the Absolute MMA Academy. On Wednesday, Whittaker completed a workout at Absolute, and the media was able to spectate the Australian mixed martial artist hitting the pads, drilling techniques, and also completing some rounds with Jones.
At the conclusion of the open workout, Jones spoke with Submission Radio and shared his expectations for Whittaker’s upcoming main event bout with Robert Whittaker.
“I’m predicting a first-round heel hook to Robert Whittaker,” Jones told Submission Radio.
When asked how Whittaker stacks up against the rest of the mixed martial artists he has rolled with, Jones praised the current UFC middleweight champion and explained that he is “very, very good.”
“I’ve rolled with a lot of other UFC-level grapplers, but Rob – I’m not even joking – he did kick my ass and his cardio really kicked my ass.”
Btw everyone, Craig Jones just predicted a 1st round Heel Hook finish win for @robwhittakermma after doing the media workout with him! ? #UFC234 pic.twitter.com/8qXPiYbxpY
— Submission Radio (@SubmissionRadio) February 6, 2019
Jones is regarded as one of the greatest grapplers in the world today. The Australian came from the shadows to submit Leandro Lo at the 2017 ADCC finals in a result that demanded the attention and respect from the grappling world. Since then, Jones’ brilliant form has continued, and he has submitted many elite grapplers in competitions including the Eddie Bravo Invitational, Quintet, Kasai Pro, Polaris, and more.