Was This the Top Finishers Card of the Year? | Finishers Fall Classic 2025 Recap
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Finishers Fall Classic 2025 went down on Saturday, October 18 at Finishers HQ in Bethlehem, PA, and it delivered one of the most complete cards the promotion has ever put together. Four titles were on the line, every match followed CJI rules, and the energy inside the building was electric.
The event streamed live on FloGrappling’s YouTube channel. From the undercard to the title bouts, the level of competition and technical execution was top-tier and by the end of the night, there was no doubt that this one belongs in the conversation for Finishers Card of the Year.
Undercard Results
Daniel Cohen (True Believer Jiu Jitsu) def Kade Sokolis (Renzo Gracie PA) by head and arm choke
Kevin Miller (10P Allentown) def Mike McCool (Galaxy Grappling) by foot lock
Dylan Harnish (10P Bloomsburg) def Rami Alhamrawy (B-Team NJ) by decision
Alysa Couce (Freedom Jiu Jitsu) def Lauren Barone (10P Reading) by armbar
Elijah Flores (10P Reading) def Alex Hynes (410 BJJ) by straight ankle lock
Bobby Riordan (Ocean County BJJ) def Jordan Juliano (10P Bethlehem) by decision
Title Fights
185lb Interim Title – Rene Sousa (10P Bethlehem) def Nick Willey (Sharpshooters Grappling Club) by Heel Hook
Rene Sousa secured the interim 185lb title in style, finishing with a first-round heel hook. Both athletes came in with clear game plans, Sousa hunting for entries while Willey used sharp wrestling and pressure passing but it was Rene’s timing and precision that made the difference. A tactical yet aggressive match, and Sousa reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous submission artists in the region.
155lb Title – Sharon Meguira (Essential BJJ) def Madeline Avila (Crazy 88) by Decision
This match had everything you could want in a jiu-jitsu bout. Sharon and Madeline kept an incredible pace from start to finish. Technical, fast, and constantly attacking. Every position was earned, every transition fought for, and neither competitor slowed down for a second. It was one of those matches that makes you proud to be part of the sport.
205lb Title – Sergio Vilas (Crazy 88) def Matt Cantwell (System Jiu Jitsu) by Decision
Another absolute war. This match was a back-and-forth battle filled with momentum swings, heavy pressure, and high-level scrambles. Every time it looked like one competitor had control, the other flipped the script. As a judge, this was one of the toughest matches I’ve ever scored in the best possible way. Both guys showed grit, composure, and elite skill.
145lb Title – Josh Flores (Vanguard Academy) def Nick Digiacomo (Webb BJJ / Illuminati Grappling Club) by Heel Hook
The main event delivered. Both athletes came to scrap, and from the opening seconds, the pace was blistering. Nick came out strong, showcasing his trademark passing and tempo. But Josh stayed composed, found his opening, and secured a beautiful heel hook with 1:52 left in the first round. A fast, technical finish to close an incredible night of grappling.
PDMA Commentary
Normally, I pick a PDMA Match of the Night, but this card made that impossible. Every single match delivered. From the technical undercard finishes to the championship-level intensity in the title fights.
I considered Alex vs Elijah, Sergio vs Matt, and Sharon vs Madeline as front-runners, but after thinking about it, I realized this is my blog.....so I can do whatever I want.
This entire event earned the honor of PDMA Finishers Card of the Year (at least for now). It was the perfect mix of pacing, skill, and excitement, everything that makes the Finishers scene special.
Final Thoughts
The Finishers Fall Classic 2025 lived up to the hype and then some. Four belts were awarded, new names made their mark, and fans got one of the most entertaining cards of the year all for just $20 at the door or free on FloGrappling.
If this is the level of competition heading into 2026, the Finishers circuit is in great hands.
Rewatch the full card here!
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