While the Paris Olympics is undoubtedly the biggest amateur wrestling event coming up, not all the country’s stars are keen on following the trend. For NLWC member Jason Nolf, it seems like he’s on his way to carve out a place away from the shadow of Penn State and Cael Sanderson. Now, with his first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition ticking all the right boxes, it looks like Nolf is eyeing more in-depth exploration into the world of MMA.

Earlier this year, Nolf was bestowed with the prestigious USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week after his stunning display of skills at the Zagreb Grand Prix. However, after his defeat to Kyle Dake at the US Olympic Team Trials, Nolf might be looking to turn his gaze elsewhere for now.

In his recent Instagram post, Nolf hinted at exciting things on the horizon. After his victory against Andrew Simmons last Sunday, Nolf decided to participate in the Craig Jones Invitational, which is scheduled for August. “It’s official! In august I will competing in Las Vegas in the @cjiofficial for a chance at $1 million!” wrote the NLWC wrestler in his Insta post.

The CJI is the “Highest paying cash prize in history of grappling!” according to its official social media handle, and the financial compensation is something that might have been the tipping factor for Nolf to pursue his dreams in MMA. “That is life changing money!” confessed the three-time NCAA gold medalist.

Ahead of his jiu-jitsu debut, Nolf had said that he would start his journey in MMA with a quivering heart but also said that it was a necessary step toward fulfilling his dreams. With the first victory now sealed, Jason now turns his focus on August with hopes of replicating his NCAA record in MMA as well.

Jason Nolf looks at towering competition at the CJI

At the CJI event, Nolf will have his plates full if he wants to walk away with the $1 million prize money. Among the biggest names who will be standing on Nolf’s way to the top are Norway’s 2023 IBJJF no-gi world champion Tommy Langaker, and the 2021 ADCC European Trials winner Eoghan O’Flanagan of Britain. Levi Jones-Leary, a black belt BJJ athlete and the 2019 IBJJF European Open first-place finisher and last year’s AJP Grand Slam winner is quite easily another formidable foe that Jason will need to do his homework on if he wishes to extend his winning streak further.

The 2023 IBJJF world champ Felipe Andrew will also look to halt the Penn State wrestler’s high horse and give him a reality check about how Nolf remains a nascent talent when it comes to the world of jiu-jitsu. With so many intimidating stars standing in his way, it remains to be seen if Cael Sanderson’s star student can use his experience on the mat to trounce opponents in the octagon as well.