Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Craig Jones Submits Chael Sonnen Twice With Buggy Choke at CJI 2

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 4:16 PM ET

The Craig Jones Invitational 2 in Las Vegas delivered a bizarre but entertaining twist on Sunday night when former UFC star Chael Sonnen stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Gable Steveson. Sonnen, a two-time UFC title challenger, faced Jones in a special match scheduled for three five-minute rounds. What unfolded quickly became one of the more surreal grappling moments of 2025.

Sonnen Puts Himself in Danger

From the opening exchange, Sonnen used his wrestling instincts to take Jones down but immediately found himself in trouble. Jones locked up a buggy choke, a rare submission from the bottom. Sonnen was caught tight and appeared to briefly go to sleep before being revived.

The two agreed to continue, but the sequence repeated itself almost instantly. Sonnen again drove Jones to the mat, this time hunting for a leg lock. Jones calmly cinched up the same buggy choke, once again putting Sonnen out.

Craig Jones put Chael Sonnen to sleep in just 30 seconds in his unorthodox style.

CJI pic.twitter.com/y0dMUApuq2

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 1, 2025

“Double Buggy Choke” Finish

As referee John McCarthy laughed and the crowd chanted for “one more,” Sonnen even suggested turning it into a best-of-five. But the referee waved it off, awarding Jones the official victory by submission (buggy choke x2).

Context

The matchup was put together after Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson withdrew from the event due to injury, frustrating Jones but leaving organizers scrambling. Sonnen, ever willing to step in on short notice, filled the gap giving fans an unexpected and comedic finish to the tournament.

For Jones, the win was yet another showcase of his creativity in grappling. For Sonnen, it was a reminder that even the toughest wrestlers are vulnerable in Jones’ world.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: