PGF Season 9 Philadelphia Phenoms Qualifier at Finishers HQ in Bethlehem, PA, featuring submission-only professional jiu-jitsu.

PGF Season 9 Qualifier Comes to Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Phenoms Host High-Stakes Tryout at Finishers HQ

For the first time ever, the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) is bringing an official qualifier to Pennsylvania and it’s happening at Finishers HQ in Bethlehem.

On Saturday, December 6, the PGF Season 9 Qualifier for the Philadelphia Phenoms (175 lbs) will give grapplers a direct path into the world’s first professional, season-long jiu-jitsu league.

The winner earns an automatic invitation to PGF Season 9, and standout performances may also secure roster or alternate spots. If you care about the future of professional grappling, this is an event worth watching closely.

What Is the PGF and Why This Matters

Professional Grappling Federation is a submission-only league that blends combat sports intensity with season-long team strategy. Athletes are drafted by team captains in a live auction, compete weekly, and earn real money over the course of a full season.

PGF Season 9 will take place in Las Vegas from March 4 through April 8, 2026, with athletes expected to stay on site and compete in 15 regular-season matches, followed by playoffs. The total athlete compensation pool exceeds $100,000, and every event is streamed live and free on YouTube with built-in fan engagement and fantasy league integration.

Simply put, this is the closest thing jiu-jitsu has to a professional league.

What’s on the Line at the Philadelphia Qualifier

This qualifier isn’t about points, medals, or bracket padding.

  • Winner: Automatic invitation to PGF Season 9

  • Others: Potential roster or alternate invitations

  • All competitors: Earn PGF XP toward official rankings and future opportunities

Matches follow the PGF Qualifier Ruleset:

  • No-Gi

  • Submission-only

  • 6-minute matches

  • Victory by submission or referee decision only

This format rewards initiative, aggression, and control, making it ideal viewing for fans who want fast-paced, decisive grappling.

How to Watch

If you can’t make it in person, this event will stream live and free on YouTube.

Production is handled by Rose Hunter Productions, ensuring high-quality visuals, clear commentary, and a professional broadcast experience. Whether you’re scouting talent, learning the PGF ruleset, or just looking for elite no-gi action, this is an easy event to tune into.

Attend Live at Finishers HQ

For fans in the region, this is also a rare chance to watch a PGF qualifier live.

  • Location: 10th Planet Finishers HQ, Bethlehem, PA

  • Weigh-In: 12 PM

  • Matches Start: 1 PM

  • Spectators Welcome

Finishers HQ is known for its intimate setting and high-energy crowd, and events like this hit different when you’re watching them matside.

Commentary Team

The commentary booth will be handled by Jay Regalbuto and Sean Robichaud (aka Me).

I might not be the world's greatest commentator but I feel like I'm uniquely qualified for this one since... you know... Philly, jiu-jitsu, aliens… (if I've completely lost you, click here).

Jay Regalbuto needs no introduction (but I'm going to do it anyway). He’s the Head Judge for ADCC North America, head coach of Illuminati Grappling Club, and one of the most experienced voices in the sport. If you’ve watched high-level jiu-jitsu over the past decade, you’ve definitely heard Jay on the mic.

PGF Commissioner in the Building

Brandon McCaghren, better known as BMac to some, will be in attendance for the event.

The PGF Commissioner will be scouting talent firsthand. Performances matter. How athletes approach the format matters. This is a real evaluation environment.

Why Finishers Makes Sense Here

It should surprise no one that Finishers is involved in making this happen.

Finishers has consistently supported the growth of competitive jiu-jitsu, and hosting the first PGF qualifier in Pennsylvania is a natural extension of that mission. A special shoutout goes to Zach Maslany and the entire Finishers crew for continuing to build platforms that give athletes meaningful opportunities to advance.

Current Registered Competitors (Subject to Change)

Below is the current list of registered athletes for the PGF Philadelphia Phenoms Qualifier. Additional competitors may be added. The list will be updated once any additions are confirmed.

Luca Martone-Martel — Tristar Gym
Jack Cornwell — Schell Shock BJJ
Alex Bannan — Lake Effect Jiu Jitsu (Alliance)
Tim Bova — Precision Boxing & MMA
Levi Thurman — Blackout Jiu Jitsu – Moore / Triton Fight Center Association
Joseph Sindoni — South Jersey Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ricardo Almeida Association)
Alec Mills — Team Chitwood
Joshua Hogans — Flood City Jiu Jitsu
Bobby Riordan — Ocean County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (TDBJJ)
Matt Winder — Saiyan Jiu Jitsu
Hashir Azam — Standard Jiu Jitsu
Joe Dachtler — Pedigo Submission Fighting
Justice Johnson — BADWATER
Jayden Groner — 10th Planet Lombard
Kyle Kemp — 10th Planet Livonia
Zack Ghalayini — Fifty/50 Martial Arts Academy
Noah McCully — 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Grants Pass
John Biedakiewicz — 10th Planet Bath
Alejandro Villalobos Araya — BJJ Occidente
Graham Leger — F.I.T.E. Fit Jiu-Jitsu
Josh Singh — Gentle Arts Woodlands
Michael Crow — TCB Fight Factory
Israel Wilkes — Boone Docks MMA / Ground Control BJJ

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

There are still sponsorship packages available for companies looking to support a PGF team.

The Philadelphia Phenoms are actively offering partnership opportunities. If you’re interested in sponsoring a professional grappling franchise, now is the time...and tell them PDMA sent you.

Final Thoughts

The PGF Philadelphia Qualifier is a gateway into professional jiu-jitsu, fittingly hosted in a room that understands what high-level competition looks like.

Watch it live. Support the athletes. And keep your eye on who shows up when the opportunity is real.

Follow @peopledoingmartialarts, @phillyphenoms, @pgfworld, and @finishersubonly for updates, announcements, and event coverage.

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