Egghead Warrior's Blog

Way Too Early Draft Rankings!

Let’s get this point out of the way, these rankings are off. I’ve done a lot of research, but not the 20lb brain research as of yet. I’ll keep improving my fighting position, but I wanted to get some rankings our there before we did our PGF Insider Mock Draft. If you think I got these rankings wrong, shoot me a DM at Egghead Warrior and let me know. I’ll put out another ranking as we get close to the season and your input might inform my updated rankings.

*NOTE: This list is not official. While I am an analyst for the PGF, anything I write here is not “official.”

THE RANKINGS:

Paul Ardila: Four-time ADCC qualifier winner, Paul Ardila is a beast. But he’s not just an athlete, he’s a dag gone Notre Dame Law graduate. Ardila brings the athleticism of a wrestler and the intelligence of lawyer to the mats. He’s dangerous and a serious contender for the overall championship. He’s also a real contender to take over as the Handsome Belt Champion, apologies to Handsome Kevin Sherrill.
Ryan Aitken: The current Eddie Bravo Invitational Absolute Champion holds many titles including the Main Character Jiu Jitsu 185lb championship and the Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds 185 championship. While Ryan likes to compete at 185lb, he’s a monster and cuts a lot of weight to get down to 185. He’s show at the EBI Absolute Championship that he has not problem with bigger guys. Ryan trains under Coach Sean Applegate at 10th Planet Atlanta. The 10th Planet Atlanta team knows the PGF very well and Coach Applegate will be sure to have Aitken ready for this season. Check out more about Aitken at his new BJJ Heroes page.
Adam Bradley: Bradley has been featured in a lot of jiu jitsu news as of late. He had a great run at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational. Shortly before that Bradley made it to the finals of the ADCC West Coast trials, losing despite getting a sweep in the last seconds (it was unscored). Bradley received his black belt from Andre Galvao, but has spread out from Atos and now claims the B Team as his affiliation currently. Bradley currently serves as the head coach at The Arena, San Diego’s biggest combat sports facility. He’s a No Gi Worlds and Pan American champion. Here’s a nice intro to him from his time on Flograppling’s Who’s Next. Bradley is known as The Escape Artist, even having an instructional with the same title. While escaping is always a great skill, Bradley will have to focus on quick submissions if he wants to take the PGF World 7 Title.
PGF Qualifier Nashville winner: Kyle Boehm. Boehm has been a high-level grappling competitor for some time. He’s faced Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, and every other big name you can imagine. He came into the PGF Nashville qualifier (and Nashville has always been home to fire qualifiers for the PGF, thank you One Nation Jiu Jitsu) – and he earned five submissions in less than one minute each. Boehm just Elbow Genie’d a whole damn qualifier – a qualifier full of PGF veterans and high-level competitors. Boehm will go for a lot in the auction and he’ll be worth the money. But the question is whether he can continue his super fast submissions that he showed in the qualifier once he gets into the regular season…odds are he can and will be in that post-season finale tournament.
PGF Qualifier Austin winner: Sebastian Attard. Every season, the PGF has some unknown grappler who comes to a qualifier and is a buzzsaw through all of his opponents. This season’s buzzsaw is Attard. Do yourself a favor and watch the PGF Season 7 Austin Qualifier HERE. Attard is an Australian that emigrated to Austin to train at New Wave Jiu Jitsu, arguably the best gym in the country that has produced the PGF season 4 champion and the PGF World 6 regular season point leader. The qualifier is a great watch and will give you some inside info on Attard and two reserve/replacement/bench players in Christos Papadelos and Jack Bidwell. Papadelos is the leader of Enigma Jiu Jitsu and a teammate and roommate of Attard. Bidwell is out of Brazilian Fight Factory (the Tackett Bros. gym). To bring it back to Attard, Egghead is guaranteeing that Attard gets at least 3 Elbow Genie points for subs in less than one minute this season. Attard is EXACTLY the type of competitor the PGF wants and needs. Seriously, Attard will become a star during PGF World Season 7 – I guarantee it.
Davis Asare – YOUR PGF WORLD 6 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPION! Asare showcased a truly versatile jiu jitsu game: hitting Kills and Breaks; wrestling and sitting guard. Asare let everyone know he had a truly complete game in PGF World 6. His leading regular season point total helped his XMartial Team win the PGF World 6 regular season and the $100,000 along with it. Unfortunately for him, the insane counter leg lock game of the Butter Panther PJ Barch cut short Asare’s post-season. Now, Asare is moving up a weight class (he cuts down to 180/185 normally and has had some problems in the past with the cut, so he’s bigger than the weight class says). Asare is a purple belt training under John Danaher at New Wave Jiu Jitsu. He’s won gold at numerous ADCC Opens and a recent match at the Polaris promotion. No doubt PGF fans eagerly anticipate Asare’s return; no doubt he’s going showcase some more phenomenal jiu jitsu.
Travis Thomas – Thomas came into PGF Season 5 as a purple belt who was known for his MMA aspirations. The 4X PGF Womens Champion Kiaya Jackson spent almost half her draft budget on Thomas. But the folks from Alabama knew something the rest of us didn’t – Thomas is a straight KILLER! Thomas recorded a 75% submission rate in PGF Season 5 with 42% of his matches leading to a KILL! He has one of the highest points per match stats in PGF history with 3.58, meaning he’s going to put points on the board when he steps on the mat. Seriously, he recorded nine submissions in the regular season and all nine submissions were unique. Thomas is a problem. Coaches and competitors overlooking him will have a rude awakening as he submits his way to the playoffs this season. If you want to learn about Thomas, check out the PGF Season 5 documentary Grapplers No Gi No Money.
Elijah Carlton – “Never bet against Elijah Carlton in the PGF!” While you can hear me saying that on the last episode of the wildly amazing Grapplers: Legends and Legacy documentary, it’s just facts. Elijah was the season 1 PGF champion. He was the season 2 runner-up. He was the Season 3 regular season champ before bowing out of the playoffs because of an injury. Elijah came back for PGF Season 5, showing he still was the PGF King, winning it all. Some detractors wondered if Elijah could handle the elite competition in PGF Season 6. Elijah proved he is the man who he says he is. Elijah stepped up against some of the best grapplers in the world and finished second in the regular season. He made it to the semifinals of PGF World 6. Elijah has embraced the professional aspect of being a competitor. He has been documenting his clean bulking to make sure he’s ready for the 205lb season. I’ll say it again “Never bet against Elijah Carlton in the PGF!”
Breylor Grout – A black belt under Keelan Cornelius, Grout represents Legion Jiu Jitsu. He was featured in the Who’s Next: Submission Fighter Challenge. He is a IBJJF No-Gi Pans brown belt champion. His best submission is his darce choke which will get him six points every time he hits it. Just a month ago, Grout won a hard-fought match at Subversiv. He also recently won a 32-competitor bracket to earn $10k at Mat Assassins with four submissions and one win via points. Apparently, Grout is a data analyst at NCI Information Systems, so one might think he will watch the prior PGF seasons and come up with a solid strategy for this season. Whether through strategy or just his skill, Grout should be primed to make an impression in the PGF.
Chris Wojcik – Representing the B Team, Wojcik is another competitor who combines brains with his brawn. Not only is he a skilled grappler (e.g. came in fourth during the ADCC West Coast Trials), but his other occupation is writing. He’s the author of the Grappler’s Diary. There he document’s his jiu jitsu journey as well as providing advice to other practitioners. His ability to step back and critically examine his jiu jitsu journey should be a help as he faces the week-long gauntlet that is the PGF.
Cam Hurd – The Virginia Tech wrestler is simply a beast. Cam controls the mat. He’s a wild man, but he’s learning the PGF format. Cam has a serious front headlock game, but he’s now augmenting that game with other submissions to finish his opponent within six minutes. PGF Season 7 will be Cam’s third season – he knows the PGF and he knows what he has to do to win. Cam will be dangerous.
Nathan Haddad – Nathan won $20,000 as part of the PGF World 6 regular season champion X Martial team. Nathan only had one submission, a great RNC within one minute for seven points, but his real job was as the team’s stopper. Haddad Showed true dedication to the PGF, focusing on cutting weight for it and not entering the ADCC West Coast trials. Not only did he not get submitted by the top picks of the PGF draft, he actually put them in jeopardy. Haddad is a Helio Soneca black belt. He’s been training since he was a young child. Nathan is an instructor at Core Combat Sports, his family’s business. Haddad combines a lifetime of jiu jitsu, with other sports (e.g. Nathan was a state wrestling competitor). Nathan’s throw-by to RNC is a phenomenal combination.
Kyle Chambers – One of 10th Planet’s most prolific competitors, Chambers is tough. He trains out of !0th Planet Oceanside under coach Geo Martinez. Chambers might be the complete expression of what leg locking can be. He’s competed at lower weights, but his frame can definitely fill out to handle the 205lb competition. He’s got a very good shot at making the post season.
Fedor Nikolov – Fedor comes into this season as a veteran of PGF Season 5. Fedor recently earned his black belt under Eddie Bravo. Now Fedor will show what a black belt Fedor brings to the PGF. Fedor’s known for his rubber guard and dead orchard game. Rest assured, if Fedor gets his hands on his opponents, they’re in trouble.
Andre Porfirio – Porfirio trained multiple martial arts growing up. Eventually, his martial arts journey led him to jiu jitsu. He came to the United States as an instructor for Gracie Barra in Orlando, Fl , but ultimately led him to training under Fight Sports in Florida. Now, he’s struck out on his own. Out of 127 competition wins, he has 55% or 70 of them via submission.
Kemoy Anderson – We first really learned of Kemoy during the 10th Planet Qualifiers where he was constantly ripping people’s arms out of their sockets. Kemoy made some serious highlights during PGF Season 2, then returned as a coach for PGF Season 4. Kemoy served somewhat of a spoiler at PGF Season 5, finishing in second place. Kemoy showed it’s almost impossible to submit him from mount. But Kemoy also highlighted his amazing truck game. Kemoy is a PGF veteran. He has a phenomenal ankle pick game and truck game as well as the scariest kimura most of these competitors will face. Kemoy has focused more on being the promoter behind main character jiu jitsu recently, but he’s always a scary opponent when he sets up opposite someone.
Marcin Maciulewicz – The Polish Punisher holds many titles, including the Polaris Absolute Grand Prix 2023 Contenders; ADCC European Trials 2024; IBJJF No Gi Worlds; and IBJJF No Gi Europeans. Now he’ll test his skills in PGF World 7.
PGF World 7 Las Vegas Qualifier winner: Dory Aoun – “The Lebanese Tiger” showcased his smothering pressure during the qualifier. The 4X IBJJF No-Gi Champ is a former collegiate basketball and football player. As a certified trainer and coach, Aoun knows how to get himself ready for competition. His cardio will allow him to push the pace the entire six minutes of each PGF match. His endurance should make him one of the competitors who peaks as the season starts breaking other competitors.
Caleb Crump – The pro MMA fighter was an alternate for PGF Season 6. He didn’t get to see the mat, but he was very hungry to make his presence felt. This season he gets his chance to make his mark.
Stuart Cooper: Stepping out from behind the camera, Cooper aims to show he’s not just the OG jiu jitsu videographer, but a serious competitor. Cooper has inspired so many to train jiu jitsu and to become videographers, but he’s also a practitioner who’s been training since around 2008 (check out that podcast, it’s a great interview with Cooper). Cooper’s video highlights of the ADCC seriously grew the sport. Cooper first became involved with the PGF during PGF World Season 6 where he produced a phenomenal highlight video. Cooper has had a wild life, living in England, Thailand, Canada, and having lots of adventures. Now, Cooper gets the chance to challenge himself with the crucible that is the PGF season. Competitors will sleep on him, but he’ll show them old age and deceit/craftiness will often beat youth and vigor.

As discussed above, this list is way too early and I need to do more research. So what did I get wrong? Let me know and maybe your favorite grappler will move up in the rankings.

Keep following PGF World and Brandon Mccaghren on Instagram and keep tuning in to the PGF Insiders on PGF World’s YouTube page. We normally go live at 7pm Eastern on Sundays. If you want a comprehensive article that breaks down everything we know about PGF World Season 7, check out my “All the Details” article. It’s an amazing time to be a jiu jitsu fan. So much is happening to grow the sport. But the biggest thing you can do to help it become professional is to follow and support the Professional Grappling Federation World. After all, it’s everything you love about sports, plus jiu jitsu!

BTW, if you’re looking to get some new jiu jitsu gear, PGF World Season 6 Team Champions XMARTIAL has some great gear. I wrote a review of my XMartial shorts and rash guard HERE. If you use the coupon code “EGGHEAD,” you will get 15% off your order (and you’ll help me out a bit). XMARTIAL has some really fun rash guards and everyone I know loves their shorts. So check them out.

PGF World 7: All the Details

PGF World Season 7 is quickly approaching! The most exciting week in jiu jitsu returns November 3-8, live from Las Vegas, Nevada. Details about the only professional submission grappling league are all over the internet, but they’re sprinkled here and there. As a PGF Insider, member of the production staff, and number one superfan of the PGF, my goal is to aggregate all the information available about PGF World 7 here, in an easily searchable format. If you are not already, you will be a fan of the PGF. After all, it’s everything you love about sports, plus jiu jitsu! So let’s talk about the PGF…

SCHEDULE: 3-8 November

DRAFT: 3 November. One of the most fun parts of the PGF is the draft. Seriously, sports fans and fantasy sports enthusiasts know their respective drafts are full of excitement, trash talking, and overall uncertainty. Each of the four jiu jitsu legendary coaches will receive 20,000 PGF points. The Draft is an auction-style draft where the four coaches will bid on competitors, trying to compile the best team. Seriously, this event is a blast. If you want to get a feeling for what the Draft will be like, the PGF Insiders recently did our MOCK DRAFT with the same auction-style format you will see at the PGF on 3 November.
REGULAR SEASON: 4-7 November. The Crucible of the regular season will let all the fans know who are the real warriors. Competitors will have three competition matches each night of the regular season, totaling 12 overall. Each day of the regular season is comprised of three BLOCKS. Each block will feature two face-offs between teams (e.g. Team A v Team B & Team C v Team D). At the end of the 10-match block, the team with the most points will earn a team point for each of their competitors. The team who amasses the most points during the regular season will be crowned the PGF Season 7 Champions and earn $100,000.
POST SEASON / FINALE TOURNAMENT: 8 November. The eight competitors who earn the most points throughout the season, regardless of their team standings, will earn a spot in the post-season finale tournament. The Finale tournament is an eight-person, single-elimination tournament. They get six minutes then have the possibility of two overtime rounds which will end via submission or ride time. The overall winner will be crowned the PGF World Light Heavyweight Champion and earn $20,000.

SCORING: Competitors can ONLY earn points through submissions. Team point totals reflect the sum of all their competitor points.

a KILL or choke scores 6 points (e.g. guillotine, RNC, darce, etc.). Of note, a twister and the executioner have been ruled kills.
a BREAK or joint lock (arm bar, ankle lock, etc.) scores 3 points
any submission within one minute earns the Elbow Genie BONUS POINT, adding one point to the score
Any team who has the top point total at the end of the block will earn an additional TEAM POINT for their team members (if there’s a tie, all members of tied teams will receive a team point).
Disqualification (DQ) or cannot continue: Few techniques are forbidden in the PGF; however, jumping guard is one of them and has happened at least two times in PGF history. These have led to DQs. In PGF World Season 6, we had a somewhat verbal tap/unable to continue. In both these situations, the person who is not DQ’d or is still able to fight will receive 2 points.

COACHES:

In PGF World Season 6, four legendary coaches helmed the teams. Jean Jacques Machado, Rigan Machado, Dean Lister, and Roger Gracie. These legends put their hearts and souls into their teams, hoping their competitors came out on top. No coaches have been announced for PGF World Season 7, but this post will be updated as their names are announced (along with their backgrounds). Let’s be honest, I know who the coaches are, but I’m already on double-secret probation for slip ups in the pass. Rest assured, you will be AMAZED at the names of the coaches.

PGF World Season 7 Coaches have been announced!

Roger Gracie: Even the current king of the ADCC, Gordon Ryan, admits the best competitor in jiu jitsu history is Roger Gracie. A fourth-degree black belt and the grandson of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu founder Carlos Gracie, Roger became a 10-time IBJJF world champion including his weight and absolutes (open weight). In the Olympics of Jiu Jitsu, the ADCC, Roger is the only person in history to win both his weight class and the absolute with a 100% submission rate. His performances earned him a spot in both the ADCC and IBJJF Halls of Fame. Roger assembled a formidable team in PGF World 6, including the eventual Champion Andy Varela. Now, entering his second season as a PGF coach, can Roger pick the overall champion and assemble a team to win the league championship?
Dean Lister: The first American inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame, Lister has blazed a trail for American in jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts. Lister is a -99kg ADCC gold medalist, an ADCC Absolute gold medalist, and an ADCC Superfight champion – essentially hitting for the cycle to borrow a baseball term. Lister has fought in the UFC and the Pride organizations. Like Roger Gracie, Lister returns for his second year as a PGF World Coach. Many fans noted the passion Lister brought to coaching his PGF team -anyone who saw his team instruction and his coaching on the competition matches immediately knew Lister was invested in his team members’ success. Fans will be excited to see his passion return to the PGF, but also to see how he tweaks his strategy to try to make his team the PGF World 7 Champions.
Carlos Machado: The 8th degree coral belt and eldest of the Machado brothers will have a tough task ahead of him in PGF World 7. His younger brothers, Jean Jacques and Rigan took first place and second place, respectively in the PGF World 6 season. Machado invested time into the PGF as a spectator at PGF World 6. Something must have piqued his interest, because now he’s returning as a coach. The Commissioner, Brandon Mccaghren, thinks the world of Machado – and that’s enough to make fans of the PGF take notice. But as the leader of the Machado jiu jitsu clan, one has to think he has the strategic ability to assemble a winning PGF team (and can leverage his younger brother’s experiences to help him do it).
Pedro Sauer: The student of Rickson and Helio Gracie, Sauer earned his 8th degree coral belt. Sauer moved to California from Brasil with the first wave of bjj instructors. Sauer taught in Utah for more than 14 years, then brough BJJ to Northern Virginia. Sauer now has his headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, but also has more than 100 affiliate gyms in the US and abroad in his association. I’ll admit some bias, I spent the last three years training at one of his affiliates, at Gracie Charlottesville in Charlottesville, VA. The reverence and appreciation for Sauer that my instructors had made me a true fan. I’m very excited to see what he brings to being a coach for PGF World 7.

COMPETITORS:

20 players will take their shot at winning the team championship and the overall PGF World Season 7 Light Heavyweight title. Some competitors received invitations from the PGF World Commissioner Brandon Mccaghren. Some competitors fought their way into the season by winning one of the three season qualifiers. Yet still some other competitors will make it into the season because they caught the Commissioner’s eye during an event

THE ROSTER:

Ryan Aitken: The current Eddie Bravo Invitational Absolute Champion holds many titles including the Main Character Jiu Jitsu 185lb championship and the Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds 185 championship. While Ryan likes to compete at 185lb, he’s a monster and cuts a lot of weight to get down to 185. He’s show at the EBI Absolute Championship that he has not problem with bigger guys. Ryan trains under Coach Sean Applegate at 10th Planet Atlanta. The 10th Planet Atlanta team knows the PGF very well and Coach Applegate will be sure to have Aitken ready for this season. Check out more about Aitken at his new BJJ Heroes page.
Adam Bradley: Bradley has been featured in a lot of jiu jitsu news as of late. He had a great run at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational. Shortly before that Bradley made it to the finals of the ADCC West Coast trials, losing despite getting a sweep in the last seconds (it was unscored). Bradley received his black belt from Andre Galvao, but has spread out from Atos and now claims the B Team as his affiliation currently. Bradley currently serves as the head coach at The Arena, San Diego’s biggest combat sports facility. He’s a No Gi Worlds and Pan American champion. Here’s a nice intro to him from his time on Flograppling’s Who’s Next. Bradley is known as The Escape Artist, even having an instructional with the same title. While escaping is always a great skill, Bradley will have to focus on quick submissions if he wants to take the PGF World 7 Title.
Bradley Schneider: Training under Dante Leon at Team Adamas (a Pedigo affiliate), Schneider trains with Nic Craton (season 5 competitor), Nilo Burgener (Season 1 competitor) and Max Hanson (season 6 competitor), so Schneider should have a good idea of what it takes to compete in the PGF. Of course, it’s one thing to understand and another to experience it. Schneider has a reputation for unique submissions, so he could be a highlight waiting to happen.
Paul Ardila: Four-time ADCC qualifier winner, Paul Ardila is a beast. But he’s not just an athlete, he’s a dag gone Notre Dame Law graduate. Ardila brings the athleticism of a wrestler and the intelligence of lawyer to the mats. He’s dangerous and a serious contender for the overall championship. He’s also a real contender to take over as the Handsome Belt Champion, apologies to Handsome Kevin Sherrill.
PGF Qualifier Austin winner: Sebastian Attard. Every season, the PGF has some unknown grappler who comes to a qualifier and is a buzzsaw through all of his opponents. This season’s buzzsaw is Attard. Do yourself a favor and watch the PGF Season 7 Austin Qualifier HERE. Attard is an Australian that emigrated to Austin to train at New Wave Jiu Jitsu, arguably the best gym in the country that has produced the PGF season 4 champion and the PGF World 6 regular season point leader. The qualifier is a great watch and will give you some inside info on Attard and two reserve/replacement/bench players in Christos Papadelos and Jack Bidwell. Papadelos is the leader of Enigma Jiu Jitsu and a teammate and roommate of Attard. Bidwell is out of Brazilian Fight Factory (the Tackett Bros. gym). To bring it back to Attard, Egghead is guaranteeing that Attard gets at least 3 Elbow Genie points for subs in less than one minute this season. Attard is EXACTLY the type of competitor the PGF wants and needs. Seriously, Attard will become a star during PGF World Season 7 – I guarantee it.
PGF Qualifier Nashville winner: Kyle Boehm. Boehm has been a high-level grappling competitor for some time. He’s faced Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, and every other big name you can imagine. He came into the PGF Nashville qualifier (and Nashville has always been home to fire qualifiers for the PGF, thank you One Nation Jiu Jitsu) – and he earned five submissions in less than one minute each. Boehm just Elbow Genie’d a whole damn qualifier – a qualifier full of PGF veterans and high-level competitors. Boehm will go for a lot in the auction and he’ll be worth the money. But the question is whether he can continue his super fast submissions that he showed in the qualifier once he gets into the regular season…odds are he can and will be in that post-season finale tournament.
Davis Asare – YOUR PGF WORLD 6 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPION! Asare showcased a truly versatile jiu jitsu game: hitting Kills and Breaks; wrestling and sitting guard. Asare let everyone know he had a truly complete game in PGF World 6. His leading regular season point total helped his XMartial Team win the PGF World 6 regular season and the $100,000 along with it. Unfortunately for him, the insane counter leg lock game of the Butter Panther PJ Barch cut short Asare’s post-season. Now, Asare is moving up a weight class (he cuts down to 180/185 normally and has had some problems in the past with the cut, so he’s bigger than the weight class says). Asare is a purple belt training under John Danaher at New Wave Jiu Jitsu. He’s won gold at numerous ADCC Opens and a recent match at the Polaris promotion. No doubt PGF fans eagerly anticipate Asare’s return; no doubt he’s going showcase some more phenomenal jiu jitsu.
Travis Thomas – No one outside of the 10th Planet Decatur folk anticipated much out of Thomas heading into PGF World’s 5th season. The Mantis secured 9 submissions in 12 matches, resulting in an impressive 75% submission rate. Possibly even more impressive is he never hit the same submission twice. Travis has a complete game, but more importantly, he improves at an exponential rate. The Travis Thomas entering PGF World 7 will likely be head and shoulders above the Thomas that took PGF World Season 5 by storm. But while Thomas improves constantly, the level of competition in PGF World 7 has taken a huge step up. In PGF World Season 5, Thomas showed he was a real competitor; in PGF World 7, he might just show he’s a world class competitor.
Elijah Carlton – “Never bet against Elijah Carlton in the PGF!” While you can hear me saying that on the last episode of the wildly amazing Grapplers: Legends and Legacy documentary, it’s just facts. Elijah was the season 1 PGF champion. He was the season 2 runner-up. He was the Season 3 regular season champ before bowing out of the playoffs because of an injury. Elijah came back for PGF Season 5, showing he still was the PGF King, winning it all. Some detractors wondered if Elijah could handle the elite competition in PGF Season 6. Elijah proved he is the man who he says he is. Elijah stepped up against some of the best grapplers in the world and finished second in the regular season. He made it to the semifinals of PGF World 6. Elijah has embraced the professional aspect of being a competitor. He has been documenting his clean bulking to make sure he’s ready for the 205lb season. I’ll say it again “Never bet against Elijah Carlton in the PGF!”
Ernesto Rivera – Ernesto Rivera trains out of LHM/American Top Team Atlanta. He had a great showing at the PGF World 7 Nashville qualifier, only losing to eventual winner Kyle Boehm. In other competitions, Ernesto has shown the ability to go on a submission spree. Ernesto likes to pull guard, but can pass as well. It’s hard to find a lot of his matches so competitors will likely sleep on him at their expense.
Chris Wojcik – Representing the B Team, Wojcik is another competitor who combines brains with his brawn. Not only is he a skilled grappler (e.g. came in fourth during the ADCC West Coast Trials), but his other occupation is writing. He’s the author of the Grappler’s Diary. There he document’s his jiu jitsu journey as well as providing advice to other practitioners. His ability to step back and critically examine his jiu jitsu journey should be a help as he faces the week-long gauntlet that is the PGF.
Cam Hurd – The Virginia Tech wrestler is simply a beast. Cam controls the mat. He’s a wild man, but he’s learning the PGF format. Cam has a serious front headlock game, but he’s now augmenting that game with other submissions to finish his opponent within six minutes. PGF Season 7 will be Cam’s third season – he knows the PGF and he knows what he has to do to win. Cam will be dangerous.
Nathan Haddad – Nathan won $20,000 as part of the PGF World 6 regular season champion X Martial team. Nathan only had one submission, a great RNC within one minute for seven points, but his real job was as the team’s stopper. Haddad Showed true dedication to the PGF, focusing on cutting weight for it and not entering the ADCC West Coast trials. Not only did he not get submitted by the top picks of the PGF draft, he actually put them in jeopardy. Haddad is a Helio Soneca black belt. He’s been training since he was a young child. Nathan is an instructor at Core Combat Sports, his family’s business. Haddad combines a lifetime of jiu jitsu, with other sports (e.g. Nathan was a state wrestling competitor). Nathan’s throw-by to RNC is a phenomenal combination.
Kyle Chambers – One of 10th Planet’s most prolific competitors, Chambers is tough. He trains out of !0th Planet Oceanside under coach Geo Martinez. Chambers might be the complete expression of what leg locking can be. He’s competed at lower weights, but his frame can definitely fill out to handle the 205lb competition. He’s got a very good shot at making the post season.
Fedor Nikolov – Fedor comes into this season as a veteran of PGF Season 5. Fedor recently earned his black belt under Eddie Bravo. Now Fedor will show what a black belt Fedor brings to the PGF. Fedor’s known for his rubber guard and dead orchard game. Rest assured, if Fedor gets his hands on his opponents, they’re in trouble.
Andre Porfirio – Porfirio trained multiple martial arts growing up. Eventually, his martial arts journey led him to jiu jitsu. He came to the United States as an instructor for Gracie Barra in Orlando, Fl , but ultimately led him to training under Fight Sports in Florida. Now, he’s struck out on his own. Out of 127 competition wins, he has 55% or 70 of them via submission.
Kemoy Anderson – We first really learned of Kemoy during the 10th Planet Qualifiers where he was constantly ripping people’s arms out of their sockets. Kemoy made some serious highlights during PGF Season 2, then returned as a coach for PGF Season 4. Kemoy served somewhat of a spoiler at PGF Season 5, finishing in second place. Kemoy showed it’s almost impossible to submit him from mount. But Kemoy also highlighted his amazing truck game. Kemoy is a PGF veteran. He has a phenomenal ankle pick game and truck game as well as the scariest kimura most of these competitors will face. Kemoy has focused more on being the promoter behind main character jiu jitsu recently, but he’s always a scary opponent when he sets up opposite someone.
Marcin Maciulewicz – The Polish Punisher holds many titles, including the Polaris Absolute Grand Prix 2023 Contenders; ADCC European Trials 2024; IBJJF No Gi Worlds; and IBJJF No Gi Europeans. Now he’ll test his skills in PGF World 7.
PGF World 7 Las Vegas Qualifier winner: Dory Aoun – “The Lebanese Tiger” showcased his smothering pressure during the qualifier. The 4X IBJJF No-Gi Champ is a former collegiate basketball and football player. As a certified trainer and coach, Aoun knows how to get himself ready for competition. His cardio will allow him to push the pace the entire six minutes of each PGF match. His endurance should make him one of the competitors who peaks as the season starts breaking other competitors.
Caleb Crump – The pro MMA fighter was an alternate for PGF Season 6. He didn’t get to see the mat, but he was very hungry to make his presence felt. This season he gets his chance to make his mark.

Keep following PGF World and Brandon Mccaghren on Instagram and keep tuning in to the PGF Insiders on PGF World’s YouTube page. It’s an amazing time to be a jiu jitsu fan. So much is happening to grow the sport. But the biggest thing you can do to help it become professional is to follow and support the Professional Grappling Federation World. After all, it’s everything you love about sports, plus jiu jitsu!

BTW, if you’re looking to get some new jiu jitsu gear, PGF World Season 6 Team Champions XMARTIAL has some great gear. I wrote a review of my XMartial shorts and rash guard HERE. If you use the coupon code “EGGHEAD,” you will get 15% off your order (and you’ll help me out a bit). XMARTIAL has some really fun rash guards and everyone I know loves their shorts. So check them out.

Xpress Yourself with XMARTIAL

Jiu Jitsu has so many benefits for practitioners: learning self-defense, getting a great workout, etc. But for me, my favorite part of jiu jitsu is its ability to build a community; a community where you can be yourself. XMARTIAL is truly a company that champions being yourself. Getting to know the company and its leaders as they became a part of the Professional Grappling Federation World, I picked up some of their gear that spoke to me. After training in the gear for a while, I thought I’d give it a review. Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): get some XMARTIAL gear – you’ll love it!

My favorite XMARTIAL rash guard. As I tell everyone who comments on it, “it spoke to me and my condition.” I proudly wore it, winning my bracket at the American Catch-Jitsu III tournament at Gracie Charlottesville..

For many of us, jiu jitsu is our escape. It’s meditation in motion, where you don’t think about work or the stresses of the day. You focus on being present or your training partner chokes you out. But the mats are also where you can let loose. My 9 to 5 gig generally requires a serious, if not stern, attitude from me as a leader – stressing the importance of my organization’s work. But in jiu jitsu, even as adults (or middle-aged adults), we get to play. Sure part of that playing is simulating murder, but you can yell “wheeeeeee” when someone throws you to the ground (and I do). It’s this spirit of play that caught my attention from XMARTIAL. Whether they are training or going on their Dojo Roadshow, the XMARTIAL crew and everyone with them are having fun. So when they had one of their great specials, that XMARTIAL leader Josef announced at the Los Angeles PGF World 5 qualifier, I checked out their website. And I found my favorite rash guard – the Lethal Weapon!

Technically the “Too Old” rash guard, I like thinking of it as the Lethal Weapon. Honestly, I have the black one in my cart and I’m going to buy it as soon as I finish this review. I love this rash guard.

The “Too Old” rash guard spoke to me. I love movies. I love Lethal Weapon. I love movie quotes. And my “Snap, Crackle, Pop” 40-something joints echo Danny Glover’s Roger Murtaugh character, telling me “I’m too old for this shit!” The rash guard is 80% polyester and 20% spandex. It has an elastic band at the bottom with some rubberized material to give it some friction to stay in place, which I like. The regular material has a nice, smooth feel. The fabric feels substantial, but still lightweight enough to not be an issue when rolling many rounds (or getting shark tanked during a gym going away). The XMARTIAL website warns that you will likely want to order up a size from your normal rash guards. They even provide a handy size chart to help you make sure you get the right one.

Rash guard size chart from XMARTIAL. They have charts using the metric system as well.

The “Too Old” rash guard is great for training, but even better for building community. I just joined a new gym after moving cross-country. Between my genetics and my vocation, I’ve been described as having “Resting Marine Face,” which is anything but approachable. But when I wear my “Too Old” rash guard, I get compliments and other people realize I don’t take myself too seriously. It’s a win-win-win. I get a quality rash guard for rolling. I laugh/smile every time I see it. And, it helps me break the ice with others – something that gets harder the older you get. Of course, the “Too Old” rash guard speaks to me and my situation, but there’s a ton of other options that might speak to you. I’m really looking at that tuxedo rash guard with the blue tie to match my eyes. There’s the Hillybilly set I’ve seen in competition footage. The Game of Chokes is on my short list as well. Of course, not all of their gear is tongue-in-cheek; they also have plenty of sleek gear or just colorful designs. Seriously, it’s worth a look hit up XMARTIAL and see which of their rash guards speak to you.

I kept hearing from PGF World competitors that the XMARTIAL shorts were the best shorts for jiu jitsu. So, I had to get a pair…

Sorry, I’m no Walo Jay, but these are my XMARTIAL shorts.

The shorts are 100% spandex. The shorts come down to about mid-thigh. They are a great mix between baggy and tight; they just fit well without giving too much fabric to get caught in exchanges. If you or your training partner do get caught up on the shorts, they have a little give to help avoid injury. Like the rash guards, they have the “1% Better Everyday” motto on them. I love the motto and the reminder – I just need to keep showing up and working every day. Truth be told, I came of age during the 90’s so I’m used to a longer pair of shorts. Still, I believe this length is more the style now. Plus, this length helps keep you from getting hung up during inversions while trying leg entries on a standing opponent (yes, Egghead can hit a Jackie Chan entry, etc.). I’ve recently ran into training partners rocking the XMARTIAL shorts and they spoke highly of them as well. Overall, they’re a great pair of shorts I definitely like during jiu jitsu, but could also see myself wearing during kickboxing training.

Ok, so I’ve highlighted my favorite parts about XMARTIAL gear. The designs, the quality product, etc. But, I have to address all aspects to be fair to my readers. I’ll admit $75 for a rash guard (as a MSRP or manufacturer’s suggested retail price) is a little steep. So is $80 MSRP for some shorts. HOWEVER, quality gear lasts. I have a pair of mma shorts I bought when I trained krav maga a dozen years ago that are still going strong. The XMARTIAL gear is solid and well worth the investment. Moreover, XMARTIAL runs sales very often, so you can usually get a discount. FINALLY, if you use the code “EGGHEADWARRIOR” you get 15% off ON TOP OF THEIR SALE PRICE DISCOUNT! The only real drawback I’ve experienced with XMARTIAL is the time from purchase to order fulfillment. Now, let’s be honest. Most folks have been spoiled with Amazon Prime 2-day shipping, which is partially accomplished by Amazon cyber stalking you and pre-staging your likely purchases near you based on your browsing history (LOOK INTO IT!). XMARTIAL will take a week or so to get you the gear you purchase. So, if you have a big match/tournament coming up, order early if you want to sport the XMARTIAL gear in competition (like the PGF WORLD 6 winning team – see below). But, if you’re just looking for some cool gear, that will speak to you and help you break the ice with folks on the mat, the wait won’t hurt.

I wanted you to get my experience as just a hobbyist who loves jiu jitsu and really loves his XMARTIAL gear. But let’s be honest, I’m not much of a model-type. Just so everyone realizes XMARTIAL gear looks great on phenomenal competitors, my friend Walo Jay from the PGF Insiders said I could share some great photos of the PGF World competitors rocking their XMARTIAL gear. So here’s a few:

Team XMARTIAL celebrates their PGF World 6 Win with the XMARTIAL leadership and the PGF World leadership. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

New Wave product and SCARY good grappler Davis Asare rocking the XMARTIAL gear. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

Multi-season PGF World winner, Elijah Carlton speaks to PGF World announcer Stephen Eakin. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

Thanks for reading Egghead Warrior’s review of his XMARTIAL kit. As I said, I love it. XMARTIAL gear just works for me in the gym. But then, you might not realize I’m the dirty wristlocker, squirrely guy, that won’t stop talking during rolls (I’m a commentator/analyst after all). We can, or must, be buttoned up at work. When we get the chance to be with our jiu jitsu people, let’s be ourselves. Rest assured, I’m willing to bet you’ll find a kit that speaks to you and can express who you really are at XMARTIAL.

Note: I was not paid for this article. I bought the Too Old rashguard myself. I did receive the shorts for free when XMARTIAL asked for a review of their gear.

PGF World 6, Day 3 Fantasy Analysis

Team, I’ll admit to running out of time for today’s analysis article. I want to get this summary of prices and matchups out to you now. My advice is to find someone where you have at least one winnable and one high probability win match. Also, I think the successful managers are gaming the system by putting alternates on their roster, especially Caleb Mcallister who is only $10, saving money for other roster spots.

I promise I’ll get the fantasy analysis (with full analysis) out to you guys earlier tomorrow. So, we’ll see how yall do without Egghead’s analysis. Of course, the most important part of this process is just enjoying the show. See you in about one hour.

SUPER PREMIUMS (you’re going to offset the expense by dropping a roster spot)

Davis Asare (purple) – $33. He faces Kevin Sherrill, Daniel Sathler, and Max Hanson.

David “Quadzilla” Evers (black) – $30. He faces Matt Elkins, Jett Thompson, and Samson Phommabout.

Jett “the Kid” Thompson (brown) – $30. He faces Max Hanson, David Evers, and Kevin Sherrill.

PREMIUMS (worth more than your average bear, but won’t break the bank quite as much as the super premiums)

Nathan Haddad (black) – $29. He faces AJ Agazarm, Renato Canuto, and Michael John.

Andy Varela (black) – $29. He faces Ben Eddy, Samson Phommabout, and Renato Canuto.

Elijah “the Bad Guy” Carlton (brown) – $28. He faces John Combs, Cam Hurd, and PJ Barch.

Daniel Sathler (black) – $28. He faces Michael John, Davis Asare, and AJ Agazarm.

Renato Canuto (black) – $27. He faces Jamie Carnall, Nathan Haddad, and Andy Varela.

PJ Barch (black) – $26. He faces Kevin Beuhring, AJ Agazarm, and Elijah Carlton.

AVERAGE (solid competitors to add to your team)

Max Hanson (black) – $24. He faces Jett Thompson, John Combs, and Davis Asare.

Ben Eddy (black) – $23. He faces Andy Varela, Kevin Beuhring, and Jamie Carnall.

Kevin Beuhring (purple) – $22. He faces PJ Barch, Ben Eddy, and John Combs.

Cam Hurd (purple) – $22. He faces Samson Phommabout, Elijah Carlton, and Matt Elkins.

BELOW AVERAGE (lower priced but also less likely to get you points)

Samson Phommabout (black) – $19. He faces Cam Hurd, Andy Varela, and David Evers.

Matt Elkins (black) – $19. He faces David Evers, Michael John, and Cam Hurd.

AJ Agazarm (black) – $18. He faces Nathan Haddad, PJ Barch, and Daniel Sathler.

Mike John (black) – $18. He faces Daniel Sathler, Matt Elkins, and Nathan Haddad.

“Handsome” Kevin Sherrill (brown) – $18. He faces Davis Asare, Jamie Carnall, and Jett Thompson.

PENNY STOCKS (NOT LIKELY TO MAKE YOU MUCH, BUT IF YOU HAVE MONEY LEFT IN YOUR POCKET…) – a reminder to all competitors, don’t take my comments personally. If I was competing, I would be squarely at the bottom of this category.

Jamie Carnall (brown) – $17. He faces Renato Canuto, Kevin Sherrill, Ben Eddy.

John Combs (black) – $17. He faces Elijah Carlton, Max Hanson, and Kevin Beuhring.

PGF World 6: The Best of Day 2

We’re halfway through the PGF World 6 regular season! We’ve seen some great grappling and some crazy action near the edges, in the couches, and backstage. But the best jiu jitsu is to come as every competitor takes their shot at making the post-season finale tournament and the PGF World 6 Championship Title and the $20,000 that goes along with it. But every competitor, even those who may look unlikely to make the finale tournament will be selling out for submissions until the end, because they can still help their team win the regular season team title which earns their team $100,000. Let’s look at some of the standouts from Day 2.

THE TOP PERFORMERS

Jett “the Kid” Thompson – Don’t call it a comeback, he’s been here for 17 years! While Jett “the Kid” Thompson is too young to get the previous line’s LL Cool J reference, his parents will. The young man from Oklahoma wowed fans on the first day of PGF World 6 when he secured a leg lock against John Combs, then held his own against PJ Barch. On the second day of the PGF World 6 regular season, Jett decided it was time to put some serious points on the board. First, he scored an Elbow Genie worthy armbar against one of the most experienced PGF veterans in Matt Elkins. The submission earned Jett four points (three for the Break and one for the under one minute submission). Later, Jett forced a draw against another high performing young man, and competitor currently in first place, Davis Asare. Finally, Jett constantly attacked PGF veteran Samson Phommabout until Jett could secure a Ruotolotine (arm-in rear naked choke). No one expected Jett Thompson to be tied for first place at the PGF World 6 halfway point. Well, Jett did…and maybe his friends and family. Regardless of one’s expectations of Jett Thompson heading into PGF World 6, you have to believe in the young man now. PGF World has a number of fan favorites and it’s easy to see Jett Thompson has already joined their ranks after just two days of PGF World competition. As Egghead said on day one: “I thought we’d be saying ‘Welcome to the Show, kid,’ but we have to say ‘Welcome to the Kid, show!’”

Jett “the Kid” Thompson gets his hand raised on day 2 of PGF World 6. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

Elijah “the Jabroni” Carlton – Regression to the mean – it’s the phenomenon that explains “the Madden curse. “ Essentially, to be put on the cover of a Madden football video game cover, a player has to have a breakout/world-beating season. Regression to the mean, says that after an especially outstanding or underwhelming performance, a player’s will normally adjust back towards their average. Even though Elijah Carlton won PGF World 5, he likewise started off slow – with only one break on the first day. Of course, he went on to score three submissions on the second day, eventually placing first in PGF World 5’s regular season and winning PGF World 5 overall. In PGF World 6, Elijah Carlton found himself, like many of the other highly touted competitors, still looking for his first submission after the first day. On day 2, Elijah made sure to put points on the board. He came out and sunk in two breaks, both within one minute – earning the Elbow Genie bonus points. Elijah even invoked the Elbow Genie’s name when everyone was unsure whether he hit the submission in less than one minute. After Elijah told everyone to ask Jonathon Roberts, the Elbow Genie, if his submission on Matt Elkins was within one minute, the Commissioner confirmed Elijah had hit the submission with one second to spare. Now that Elijah has returned to his scoring ways, can he also return to his normal spot atop the PGF World standing? Even with the slow start, Elijah is tied for fifth place and only eight points behind the frontrunner, Davis Asare, who is Elijah’s X-Martial teammate. Elijah doesn’t have an easy schedule ahead for the rest of the season, to be fair no one in PGF World 6 has an easy schedule, but Elijah still has opportunities and the skill to make the post-season, finale tournament.

Elijah sinks in the submission. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

Nathan Haddad – If it wasn’t for Day 1 standouts Daniel Sathler, Jett “the Kid” Thompson, and Davis Asare, everyone would have been talking about Nathan Haddad’s performance. The Helio Soneca Jiu Jitsu black belt impressed everyone with his gritty, resilient style. Though Haddad didn’t put any points on the board the first day, but he threatened top-seeded PJ Barch with a scary triangle and gave John Combs and Jett “the Kid” Thompson everything they could handle. PGF World Commissioner, Brandon Mccaghren told everyone on Day 1 that Haddad’s style would pay dividends as the season progressed. Haddad proved the Commish correct on Day 2. In his first match, Haddad used his patented slide by to reach Jamie Carnall’s back quickly, sinking in the rear-naked choke in less than one minute, gaining the Elbow Genie bonus point. Haddad’s other two matches on Day 2 didn’t help him get any points, but his toughness shined when he took on Daniel Sathler and Andy Varela. Even though he only has one submission on the board, Haddad made it count. He’s currently ranked 8^th, meaning he’s the last one in for the post-season finale tournament, as of now. Haddad has the faith of the Commish and now many fans that if he keeps playing his game, he will make the playoffs.

Nathan Haddad gets his hand raised on day 2 of PGF World 6. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

Ben Eddy – Heading into the last block of PGF World Day 2, the best rubber-guard playing competitor in the world had not gotten any opponent into his closed guard. Eddy proved the efficacy of his guard against fellow 10^th Planet member Sam Schwatzapfel. Schwartzapfel had to replace John Combs after Combs injured himself in an earlier match on Day 2. After being pushed around by Sam on the feet a few times, Eddy started pulling Sam into his guard. Sam escaped the first time, but Eddy found a way to his rubber guard. Once Eddy found his rubber guard, he locked in a wrong-side triangle from bottom and used his fist to finish the choke. With this Kill, the DQ from Sathler jumping guard on Day 1, and the four X-Martial team points, Ben Eddy found himself tied for 5th place with 12 points halfway through the regular season. Eddy still has six matches to get the four hindulotines (guillotine from rubber guard) that he promised the Commissioner before the season started. Looking at his upcoming schedule, he might just do it.

Big Names Finally on the Board

Elijah Carlton and Ben Eddy were not the only highly touted competitors to rack up their first submissions of the season on PGF World Day 2. Team Adama black belt, Max Hanson got his first submission with a heel hook in the second block of the day. First round picks PJ Barch and Renato Canuto both had to wait until the last block of Day 2 for their first submission of the season. Barch got a heel hook, but Canuto stole the show with the submission of the season with a flying armbar in the first minute. If the season ended today, both first round picks would not make the playoffs, but we’re only halfway through the season. Now that Barch and Canuto have put points on the board, one has to imagine they’ll continue to do so. As long as they can score enough points to make the playoffs, both can still definitely win PGF World 6.

TEAM STANDINGS: THE HUNT FOR $100,000

On day 1, the Black Rifle Coffee Company team put zero points on the board. On day 2, they got back in the hunt, hitting double digits with 10 points. This day, it was Team Epic Roll’s turn to put up a goose egg. Still, with their good start on day 1, Epic Roll was still in third place with 12 points. Team 1st Phorm almost doubled their day 1 totals, putting up 22 points on day 2. Before the final block, they only had added nine points. But three Team 1st Phorm members secured submissions in their last matches of the day, adding another 13 points to their team totals. Team 1st Phorm finished the first half of the season with 35 points. But the story of the season has been Team X-Martial. After putting up 22 points on day 1, they put up even more points on day 2 – scoring a league high 27 points. At the end of the first half of PGF World 6, Team X-Martial still has a commanding lead with 49 points. Still, Team X-Martial will need to continue putting points on the board because it would only take two matches, with Kills within the first minute, for Team 1st Phorm to catch up to Team X-Martial. As fans have seen continuously through the six seasons of PGF World, fortunes can change VERY quickly. With $100,000 on the line for each team, every competitor has to push for the finish in every match.

Tune in tonight as we start the second half of the PGF World 6 regular season. Fans can watch it FREE on YouTube, Caffeine, or a host of other platforms. With the conclusion of every match, the competitors’ sense of urgency will only rise. With this urgency, grapplers will open up their games, as they realize a draw gets them the same amount of points as a loss. And as competitors open up their games, searching for submissions, they open up themselves to get submitted. The first half of the season had LOTS of action, but more draws than normal in the PGF. As they approach the finish line, fans should expect many more submissions as competitors on the bubble seek to secure their chance at the finale tournament. Tensions will rise as competitors realize they might not make the playoffs; tensions will rise as Teams realize they have less and less chances to take over the top ranking to win the $100,000. Just as so many other sports, drama will naturally occur as the hunt for the team title and the overall PGF World 6 Championship draws to an end. But every fan should expect these things. After all, the Professional Grappling Federation is everything you love about sports, plus jiu jitsu.

PGF World 6, Day 2 Fantasy Analysis

Team, only nine submissions in day 1. It’s always a hard transition for competitors who are not used to six minute rounds and not used to submissions or nothing scoring rules. The Commissioner has said the refs will be pushing stalling calls to help force the action, but the parity of the roster has really shown so far. With only $160 to fill your roster, fantasy managers will have to look for the few mismatches on the schedule for tonight and try to find a way to afford those competitors. May the odds be ever in your favor.

SUPER PREMIUMS (you’re going to offset the expense by dropping a roster spot)

Andy Varela (black) – $34. He faces Kevin Beuhring, PJ Barch, and Nathan Haddad – 9 points. Varela is very skilled and he delivered on day 1. But he’s facing some very game opponents. He might even have three draws with this lineup, but odds are he finds a way to get a kill and a break in this lineup.

Davis Asare (purple) – $33. He faces Michael John, Jett Thompson, and AJ Agazarm – 6 points. Agazarm has shown he won’t tap. Competitors will have to put him to sleep and that’s a tall order. Thompson has shown he won’t back down and John is a craft bet. Odds have Asare getting 6 points today.

Daniel Sathler (black) – $32. He faces Kevin Sherrell, Nathan Haddad, and Max Hanson – 0 points. Sathler had a phenomenal first day with two highlight submissions. Today he regresses to the mean. He might squeeze out 6 points, but odds do not favor it.

Renato Canuto (black) – $30. He faces AJ Agazarm, Ben Eddy, and Michael John – 3 points. Canuto is so dynamic but hasn’t been able to finish a submission. He might find a flying armbar today, but there’s a very real possibility he doesn’t get a submission again.

PREMIUMS (worth more than your average bear, but won’t break the bank quite as much as the super premiums)

PJ Barch (black) – $29. He faces Ben Eddy, Andy Varela, and Cam Hurd – 6 points. PJ needs points badly and his best shot today is against Hurd, but Hurd is a very tough wrestler whose jiu jitsu skills have been improving rapidly. It could be another long day for Barch.

Cam Hurd (purple) – $29. He faces John Combs, David Evers, and PJ Barch – 0 points. No competitor would want to face this lineup today. Hurd will bring excitement to each match but unlikely a submission.

David “Quadzilla” Evers (black) – $28. He faces Max Hanson, Cam Hurd, and Kevin Sherrill – 6 points. Evers’ best bets are Breaks against Hurd and Sherrill (who he defeated in the PGF Season 3 finale).

John Combs (black) – $27. He faces Cam Hurd, Samson Phommabout, and Ben Eddy – 12 points. Combs has two Kill (choke) wins over over Hurd in ADCC Opens and Samson, though very tough, is susceptible to a submission. Combs knows he needs points today and he will likely get them.

Jett Thompson (brown) – $25. He faces Matt Elkins, Davis Asare, and Samson Phommabout – 6 points. Thompson versus Asare will give us more information about both competitors – with Asare likely ending up on top. Jett has to look at the Elkins and Samson matches as opportunities for points. With so few submissions so far this season, all competitors should jump on any chance at a Break.

Elijah “the Bad Guy” Carlton (brown) – $25. He faces Samson Phommabout, Kevin Beuhring, and Matt Elkins – 12 points. Elijah has been Elkins’ kryptonite through many seasons of the PGF. For all the praise Elijah has given Kevin Beurhing, Elijah is the black belt in the 10^th Planet Atlanta room and will likely big brother Kevin. Finally, Elijah will definitely target Samson. Elijah might get 18 points today, but 12 is a good estimate.

AVERAGE (solid competitors to add to your team)

Nathan Haddad (black) – $24. He faces Jamie Carnall, Daniel Sathler, and Andy Varela. Haddad is very game, but his best shot at a submission is a very cagey Carnall. $24 is a lot for a possible 6, but more likely three draws.

Max Hanson (black) – $24. He faces David Evers, Matt Elkins, and Daniel Sathler. – 6 points. Max could definitely out perform this estimate. You know he wants to get it back against Sathler after the WNO loss. Hansons will be looking to take out the two PGF veterans, but they are very hard to put away.

Kevin Beuhring (purple) – $23. He faces Andy Varela, Elijah Carlton, and Jamie Carnall. – 3 points. Beuhring’s best shot is a break against Carnall.

Mike John (black) – $21. He faces Davis Asare, Kevin Sherrill, and Renato Canuto. This lineup isn’t favorable for John.

Ben Eddy (black) – $21. He faces PJ Barch, Renato Canuto, and John Combs. Eddy’s facing a murderers row. He might have caught Combs before in a hindulotine, but it’ll be hard to catch him unawares again.

BELOW AVERAGE (lower priced but also less likely to get you points)

AJ Agazarm (black) – $20. He faces Renato Canuto, Jamie Carnall, and Davis Asare. Agazarm will be targeting Carnall, but Carnall’s used to it.

Matt Elkins (black) – $20. He faces Jett Thompson, Max Hanson, and Elijah Carlton – 0 points. The PGF veteran has a chance against each of these individuals, but it’s a tough row to hoe.

Samson Phommabout (black) – $20. He faces Elijah Carlton, John Combs, and Jett Thompson – 0 points. Samson will be the hunted one today.

“Handsome” Kevin Sherrill (brown) – $18. He faces Daniel Sathler, Michael John, and David Evers. Handsome Kevin might be able to take out John and Evers, but Evers has the win over Handsome Kevin. He might be worth a flyer, though.

Jamie Carnall (brown) – $17. He faces Nathan Haddad, AJ Agazarm, and Kevin Beuhring – 0 points. Carnall is going to surprise some competitors with a submission before the week is over, but it’s unlikely today.

PGF World 6, Day 1: Egghead’s Fantasy Analysis

FANTASY PGF WORLD STARTS TODAY!!!

PGF World fans have a chance to win $1,000 by playing fantasy jiu jitsu. Fans can enter and play Fantasy Jiu Jitsu for FREE by following THIS LINK. Fans will have chances to win prizes as nightly winners, but the biggest prizes will go to the overall PGF World 6 Fantasy Champion.

Fantasy managers will have a set budget each day for assembling their team ($160 for the first day). Competitors’ roster prices will change every day based upon their performance. Fantasy managers must set up a new lineup each day to stay in the hunt for the daily and overall prizes. Finally, fantasy managers must fill all seven roster spots – so no picking only super premium competitors and leaving roster spots open.

To help both new and old PGF World fans alike, the Editorial Board at EggheadWarrior.com has put together some analysis of tonight’s matchups and how they affect competitors’ expected value compared to their roster price.

SUPER PREMIUMS (you’re going to offset the expense by dropping a roster spot)

PJ Barch (black) – $34. He faces Nathan Haddad (Kill), Jett Thompson (Kill), John Combs (Break) – 15 points. PJ faces two young, talented competitors in Haddad and Thompson…but the Butter Panther will show them there’s levels to this game. PJ took out Combs via heel hook at the 2021 Emerald City Invitational – so if it isn’t broke, don’t stop heel hooking it? PJ will show why he was ranked #1.

Andy Varela (black) – $32. He faces Cam Hurd (KILL), Davis Asare (DRAW), and Jamie Carnall (KILL) – 12 points. Varela got Hurd with an anaconda in their last match – Hurd might be looking to hard to counter that move that Varela takes his back. Asare faces a very tough room at New Wave every day. Varela was seconds away from the RNC in their last matchup, but it’s likely Asare and his coach John Danaher dissected that match and have patched the holes that almost led to the submission.

Renato Canuto (black) – $33. He faces Kevin Sherrill (BREAK), Max Hanson (LOSS), and Elijah Carlton (BREAK) – 6 points. Canuto could drastically overperform this prediction or he could drastically underperform this prediction. Because of the rulesets he’s competed in traditionally, he doesn’t have a lot of film with him securing submissions. But the ruleset makes the match. We’ll know a lot more about how to predict Canuto’s matches after tonight. Until then, he’s a risk for so much money.

PREMIUMS (worth more than your average bear, but won’t break the bank quite as much as the super premiums)

Elijah “the Bad Guy” Carlton (black) – $28. He faces Max Hanson (Loss), Kevin Sherrill (Break), and Renato Canuto (Draw) – 3 points. Elijah faces two of the top contenders for the season today. While the old adage is never to bet against Elijah in PGF World, it’s hard to think he earns enough points today to be worth the $28 premium price.

Davis Asare (purple) – $27. He faces Jamie Carnall, Andy Varela, and Cam Hurd – 6 points. Asare will be lucky to force a draw against Varela. Still, Asare has a good shot at getting two breaks or securing at least one kill against Carnall and Hurd. He might be able to get more points, but the Editorial board is being conservative for now.

John Combs (black) – $27. He faces Jett Thompson, Nathan Haddad, and PJ Barch – 12 points. Combs likely falls to Barch or forces a draw. But Combs has very favorable matchups with the fifth member of two different teams in Thompson and Haddad. If he wants to make the playoffs, Combs needs to get Kills against these gentlemen.

Daniel Sathler (black) – $26. He faces Matt Elkins, Samson Phommabout, and Ben Eddy – 3 points. Sathler spends most of his competitive time in rulesets won by points, advantage, or ref decision. He comes from one of the best teams in the world, but until we see how he performs in the PGF be careful putting him on your roster.

Max Hanson (black) – $26. He faces Elijah Carlton, Renato Canuto, and Kevin Sherrill – 12 points. Today, Max Hanson shows how he bounces back from losses. He lost the bronze medal match at the West Coast Trials, but that only makes him more resolute to show he is a contender for the PGF World 6 Title. If he can get two kills today, he can make a real statement. And the Editorial Board at EggheadWarrior.com believes he can.

AVERAGE (solid competitors to add to your team)

Kevin Beuhring (purple) – $23. He faces AJ Agazarm, Michael John, and David Evers.

Ben Eddy (black) – $22. He faces Samson Phommabout, Matt Elkins, and Daniel Sathler – 12 points. Not going to say which two are getting choked, but Eddy’s guard will come out to play today.

Nathan Haddad (black) – $22. He faces PJ Barch, John Combs, and Jett Thompson. The Jett Thompson match could go either way, but the coin flip says its going to Jett. Haddad has a lot of skills, a lot of tools. But today might not be the best day to put him on your roster.

David “Quadzilla” Evers (black) – $21. He faces Michael John, AJ Agazarm, and Kevin Beuhring – 6 points. We won’t give you exact expectations here, but Evers has a favorable lineup. More importantly, they probably all looked over him (except Beuhring who lost to him in the finale tournament of Season 3). Evers can have a great start to his season today.

Mike John (black) – $21. He faces David Evers, Kevin Beuhring, and AJ Agazarm. John fought his way into the PGF, being the only qualifier winner. That said, even though his matches will be exciting, it’s tough to rely on points from him on the first day.

BELOW AVERAGE (lower priced but also less likely to get you points)

AJ Agazarm (black) – $20. He faces Kevin Beuhring, David Evers, Michael John. Until proven otherwise, AJ has spent too much time in rulesets which favored positional point scoring over submissions. AJ can get submissions, but can he shake off those rulesets on the first day, especially when he wasn’t present for the rules meeting?

Matt Elkins (black) – $20. He faces Daniel Sathler (KILL), Ben Eddy (DRAW), and Samson Phommabout (KILL) – 12 points. Upset special of the night, the veteran collegiate wrestler and PGF veteran will find a way to submit Sathler. As we know, 26 of Elkins’ 28 submissions in the PGF are Kills, so a kill it is. Of note, the Editorial Board of EggheadWarrior.com might be biased in favor of a great PGF veteran.

Samson Phommabout (black) – $20. He faces Ben Eddy, Daniel Sathler, and Matt Elkins. Samson is a game, veteran MMA fighter, but he’s undersized for this weight class, especially with this level of competition. Don’t count on points tonight from Samson.

Cam Hurd (purple) – $20. He faces Andy Varela (Loss), Jamie Carnall (Kill), and Davis Asare (Loss) – 6 points. Varela has had Cam’s number before and likely will again. Asare comes from too good a camp not to at least cause a draw. The Carnall and Cam match will say a lot about what the week holds for them. Currently, the odds are going in favor of Cam’s front headlock game.

“Handsome” Kevin Sherrill (brown) – $20. He faces Renato Canuto, Elijah Carlton, and Max Hanson. Spa day might have come early for Handsome Kevin. He’s been wanting to get that match back against Elijah, but it’s likely to end in a draw. You shouldn’t count on points from the Handsome one today.

Jett Thompson (brown) – $20. He faces John Combs (Loss), PJ Barch (Loss), and Nathan Haddad (Break) – 3 points. Jett is a tough competitor for sure, but he’s going up against two of the toughest, most experienced competitors in Barch and Combs. Jett likely sits guard against Haddad and will snap on his favorite submission – an armbar.

Jamie Carnall (brown) – $18. Number 20 in the power rankings and number 20 in your hearts. The Starving Raccoon faces Davis Asare (loss), Cam Hurd (break – low percentage), and Andy Varela (loss). Carnall will be a fan favorite this season. He’s too much fun on the microphone. He’s also got a sneaky ability to take his opponent’s backs and sink in RNCs. But this lineup is TOUGH. He faces a dark horse to win it all, a favorite to win it all, and a very game D1 wrestler who just had a great run at the West Coast trials. We’re not expecting any points out of him today.

There you go. That’s the best PGF Fantasy analysis published. Good luck.

P.S. Evan Dewitt can write his own analysis if he wants it to get published earlier. He should have plenty of time since he’s an alternate.

Max Hanson has the Perfect Mindset for PGF World 6

Professionals trust the process, regardless of temporary outcome. Professionals give their job 100%. Professionals find a way to win. Max Hanson is a professional and one might think he was tailor made for Professional Grappling Federation World. This Sunday, April 21st, Max Hanson will start his quest for the PGF World 6 Championship.

Hanson is a black belt out of Pedigo/Adamas Gym where he’s been training with Dante Leon for years. He used to drive 1.5 hours each way, twice a day to get his training at Adamas while he still lived in Canada. Hanson bet on himself and moved to the United States to be able to train more after COVID hit. Many critics and fans expect Hanson to make a real move to the top of the jiu jitsu competitive scene very soon. He’s had a lot of success and he’s not afraid of a challenge. Just last Summer, Hanson successfully defended both the 155-pound and 170-pound Finishers titles on the same night.

But more importantly, Hanson has the mentality to handle any ups and downs that happen during the gauntlet that is PGF World. As Hanson has described it he’s lost in the most embarrassing ways and he’s had huge victories as well. Either way, he gets to compete professionally in jiu jitsu. This mentality allows Hanson to come back stronger after any stumbles. For example, even though Hanson had a tough loss to Daniel Sathler via a flying triangle which turned into an armbar, he turned around as a substitute competitor in an Enigma competition well over his normal weight class and won the event. After losing the bronze medal match at the ADCC West Coast Trials, Hanson is primed for another big comeback victory. Hanson can’t be kept down.

PGF World Season 5 veteran, Nic “the Minnesota Maniac” Craton might have the best take on his Adamas teammate: “See the thing you gotta know about Max Hanson is that he levels up his skills faster than anybody else. …his technique and capacity for improvement is second to none. What you see if max today is nothing compared to what he is tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. You just never want to bet against him because you never know how vastly he has improved since the last time you saw him, it’s really incredible.”

Given his ability to level up, given his professionalism, given his drive, Max Hanson has a real chance to make a big statement this week at PGF World 6. He has at least 12 chances to put his jiu jitsu on display during the regular season. And many fans are picking him to make the post-season tournament, if not win it all. Regardless of the results, Hanson will be giving it 100% every match and will be exciting to watch.

To catch Hanson and the rest of PGF World 6, check out the LIVE action as it starts this Sunday on YouTube. The regular season runs from Monday, 22 April, through Thursday, 25 April. The post-season finale tournament will be aired on UFC Fight Pass on Friday, 26 April.

PGF World 6 Power Rankings!

It’s almost HERE!!! PGF World 6 kicks off in Las Vegas on April 21st with the AUCTION DRAFT! The four legendary coaches of PGF World 6 will have to assemble their five-competitor teams by outbidding their opponents. The Team who wins the regular season will earn $100,000 to be split amongst them. Sure, every competitor will have 12 matches over four days where they will have to submit their opponents to earn points for the team, but it all starts with the auction draft.

Now, the order of the draft will be determined by the PGF World 6 power rankings. PGF World provided their initial rankings on their Instagram page. Shortly afterwards, Tim Freeman and his Inside BJJ Podcast team put out their preseason rankings. Finally, the Voice of the PGF (Matt Skaff) provided his own preseason rankings on his Grappling Discourse Podcast. Since PGF Season 3, the Editorial Board at Eggheadwarrior.com has always provided our own pre-draft rankings, and we’re doing it again. These rankings will be a little more involved that the others as we try to show our work with each pick. Now, to be fair, these rankings might not affect the official ones. Still, the Editorial Board at Eggheadwarrior.com has a strong track record for picking winners, so you might want to pay attention.

Disclaimer: The Editorial Board of Eggheadwarrior.com are fans of every PGF World 6 competitor. They are all a part of the PGF family. But every ranking has to have folks picked last. Also, submission grappling has no central resource for match footage or information. The board researches every competitor looking at bjjheroes.com, flograppling, UFC fight pass, enigma TV, smoothcomp. YouTube, and the always trusty “Google.” These rankings are only as good as the open source intelligence available on the internet. If readers have inside information, please share it with us and we may update our rankings.

Okay, enough prelude, onto the rankings!

#1 Andy Varela – A 10th Planet Black Belt under Casey Halstead at 10th Planet Las Vegas, Varela has the standard 10th Planet skills, but he drew inspiration from many other sources, leading to a truly unique grappling style. Many folks had picked Varela to win the ADCC West Coast Trials. While he didn’t win, he put on an amazing run. As you can see in his highlight video HERE, Varela showed he has the vibe and a game made for the PGF. Varela is exciting and always looking to push the action. He goes for subs, not points. Heck, he only had two points scored on him in the trials and no one even tried to submit him. Varela had to settle for third place in the trials, but he took out fellow PGF World 6 competitors John Combs and Max Hanson on his way to the bronze. He forced Combs into a DQ and he finished Hanson via RNC in less than two minutes. Varela was also a silver medalist in the 2022 ADCC West Coast Trials, where he won a match against our #2 ranked P.J. Barch (by Ref decision to be fair). He has wins multiple other competitors on this lineup including Davis Asare, Cam Hurd, etc. Varela has shown us over his career a desire to get the submission, a desire to mix it up with an exciting style. In this last ADCC West Coast Trials, Varela showed us his skills, but he’s definitely still hungry after having to settle for bronze. Varela is primed to put on a show during PGF World 6.

#2 P.J. Barch – Head coach and founder of 10th Planet South Bay, P.J. Barch is the first black belt under Richie “Boogie” Martinez. He’s a long-established competitor, facing only the toughest of competition. P. J. recently won the Polaris 170lb Grand Prix earning himself a tidy $20,000. Known for his outstanding wrestling, he compliments his standing game with devastating RNCs and sneaky leg attacks. The Butter Panther is a sure thing for the playoffs and for earning a team lots of points. Coaches should be looking at spending at least 30% if not more of their salary cap to get P.J. on their team.

#3 Elijah Carlton – Elijah is the face of the PGF; the Royce Gracie of the PGF. He has that quality that PGF Insider Miggy values most of all: EXPERIENCE. No one has as much experience in the PGF ruleset at Elijah. He is 51-1-5 (only one loss and five draws) in the PGF Regular Season and 8-1 in the PGF post season. Elijah has a 49% Kill rate and a 42% Break rate – he will rack up points. As a possible statistical anomaly, Elijah has more sub-one minute submission bonus points than the Elbow Genie Jonathan Roberts, the rule’s namesake. True, John Combs subbed Elijah with a triangle two years ago. He has split matches with Davis Asare (winning via heel hook at ADCC Denver Open and losing He’s the Sapateiro Challengers Open Weight Division Champion. A former Brown Belt High Rollerz champion (never beaten, just promoted to black belt). Since moving to the suburbs of Atlanta and training full time with his coach Sean Applegate, Elijah has taken on a more professional outlook and attitude toward grappling. With his crazy skills, insane PGF experience, and solid professional ethos and coaching, Elijah will be looking to prove he will remain the face of PGF World.

#4 Davis Asare – Asare is a purple belt training under John Danaher at New Wave Jiu Jitsu. Asare has been a super active competitor in the last two years. He got three submissions on his way to winning the silver medal for the ADCC European Trials. Asare secured two submissions to get the gold at ADCC Dead Sea Open 2024. He secured three submissions on his way to get gold at the ADCC Austin Open. He’s split matches at ADCC Opens with Combs, winning his first match by straight ankle lock and losing the second by triangle. He’s split matches with Elijah Carlton, losing by heel hook then winning by toe hold. Asare has an arm bar win over Kevin Beuhring. He has a decision win over PGF Season 5 runner-up Kemoy Anderson. One of the best things about Asare is he’s a submission hunter. He is the kind of grappler made for the PGF. PGF fans have seen what a New Wave student can do. In PGF Season 4, fellow New Wave product Reese LaFever earned the crown. Now, another young New Wave product is set to make his presence felt at PGF World 6. Given the well-known ability of New Wave to mold their students, one has to think Asare will be ready for everyone on this list come September 21st.

#5 John Combs – Combs is a black belt from Easton Training Center in Colorado. He’s a former ADCC West Coast Trials champion, a 2022 Sapoteiro Open Weight Champion, and a2023 ADCC Chicago Open champion. He was an all american wrestler in college, then started training jiu jitsu when he attended CU in Boulder. For the PGF, fans and coaches need to know Combs is a killing machine – well, in the PGF parlance. Combs is a choke (Kill in the PGF) specialist. His chokes are his weapons of choice, especially his guillotine. Watching his footage, PGF fans can anticipate a season similar to the ones Matt Elkins had in previous seasons, a choke/kill-heavy set of wins. Even if Combs does not get the most submissions, he’s likely to be able to match or exceed other competitors’ points since Kills are worth six points in the PGF and footlocks or any Breaks are only worth 3 points. Combs has nearly 200 jiu jitsu competition matches under his belt and VERY high percentage of his wins are via submission. And of those submissions, a very high percentage of them have been chokes. Combs is a rock-solid bet to score serious points for his team and to make the playoffs.

#6 Kevin Beuhring – Kevin Beuhring is a purple belt under Sean Applegate, at 10th Planet Atlanta. Kevin first entered the PGF scene during the Season 3 qualifiers. After about one year of training, still a white belt, Kevin traveled to the Jacksonville Qualifier. Kevin showed how dangerous a white belt can be as he submitted all of his opponents on his way to earning a roster spot in PGF Season 3. During the regular season he had black belts running away from him. Beuhring easily made the Season 3 finale tournament. Since PGF Season 3, Dangerous Kevin has been in continuous competition mode…and he’s been winning. To list off just a bit of Kevin’s resume he is the Sapateiro 170lb Champion (beating PGF World 6 competitor Max Hanson to get the belt), the Midwest Finishers 170lb Champion, a Summit Grappling 3x Absolute Champion and Grappler of the Year. Kevin holds the fastest submission record for five grappling promotions. Beuhring is an ADCC Open Silver Medalist and a Main Character Jiu Jitsu 170lb champion – winning via heel hook in 26 seconds. Most recently, PGF fans will remember Kevin taking out an entire opposing team in a five-on-five quintet battle during the PGF Season 5 Finale. He has some losses to others on this roster, but the field should not sleep on Kevin Beuhring. He’s constantly improving and has an almost preternatural connection to his coach when competing. Coach Applegate gives an instruction from the corner and Beuhring executes almost instantaneously. Kevin’s experience in the PGF, his great team at 10th Planet Atlanta, and his dedication to being a professional grappler make him a dangerous opponent for anyone during PGF World 6. Eggheadwarrior.com has written a full article recently on Kevin and it can be read HERE and Kevin’s interview with the PGF Insiders can be watched HERE.

#7 Max Hanson – Hanson is a black belt out of Pedigo/Adamas Gym where he’s been training with Dante Leon for years. He used to drive 1.5 hours each way, twice a day to get his training at Adamas while he still lived in Canada. Hanson bet on himself and moved to the United States to be able to train more after COVID hit. Many critics and fans expect Hanson to make a real move to the top of the jiu jitsu competitive scene very soon. He’s ad a lot of success. He has a submission win over fellow competitor Kieran Kichuk and a RNC on John Combs at the same tournament. Even though Hanson had a tough loss to Daniel Sathler via a flying triangle which turned into an armbar, he turned around as a substitute competitor in an Enigma competition well over his normal weight class and won the event. Hanson can’t be kept down. Heck, he’s decided to defend his 155lb and 170lb Finishers titles on the same night (and did defend them). To top it all off, Hanson has a super fight scheduled with ADCC East Coast Trials winner Elijah Dorsey for the day after the PGF! That’s the kind of intrepid confidence Max Hanson exhibits. Max’s plan is to give 100% to jiu jitsu, knowing he’ll succeed in the end if he just keeps giving it everything. Max is very dangerous and coaches and fans can be sure he’ll put up points against the competition this season. Max had a great interview with the PGF Insiders which can be seen HERE.

8. Kieran Kichuk – Kieran is a black belt, currently a member of the B Team in Austin, Texas. He had previously trained with Lloyd Irvin and his Medal Chasers. Starting at his first ADCC trials, Kieran had been on a track record of consistently finishing higher than he had previously, and hitting a number of submissions. He also notably won the 2022 Emerald City Invitational 155lb title. During the most recent ADCC West Coast Trials, Kieran started off well, but ran into a counter leg attack which injured him. As of now, Kichuk is still on the PGF Roster, but we are still waiting to make sure he’s 100% cleared. Kichuk has the mindset of a champion, using meditation, mindset, and his wiping of his feet when he enters the mat to trigger “The Bastard,” his competition alter ego that allows the very nice Kichuk to rip off his opponent’s appendages with glee. If Kichuk remains good to go for PGF World 6, he has a real chance to make the playoffs. Fans can look forward to interviews with a great, thoughtful competitor on the sidelines, and some ferocious attacks by The Bastard on the mats. Either way, the PGF World 6 audience should look forward to watching Kichuk’s work. Kieran had a great interview with the PGF Insiders which can be seen HERE.

#9. Renato Canuto – The black belt and head instructor at Hybrid Jiu Jitsu in Las Vegas is very exciting to watch. He does cartwheel/backflip passes; he has super quick shots and flying attacks. But, we’re worried he’s a point fighter. The Editorial board watched more than 4 hours of Renato Canuto no-gi matches…and saw only two submissions (a flying armbar against Joseph McKay in the 2021 No-Gi Worlds, and a flying armbar against Jake Shields at 3rd Coast Grappling two years go). Looking at the vast majority of matches online, the results were determined almost exclusively by points or referee’s decision. Now, Renato has regularly faced the upper echelons of competitors. He may be able to make quick work and submit the lower tiers of PGF World 6 competitors…maybe. For the lack of recent submission victories, the Editorial Board of Eggheadwarrior.com will be bucking the trend and will not have Renato Canuto making the playoffs.

#10 Mike John – The black belt out of 10th Planet Orange is a submission machine. The Editorial Board has watched film of him at Midwest Finishers (three RNCs (one in overtime) and one Elbow-Genie quick armbar); F2W(guillotine); Arte Suave Elite 24 (heelhook). But most importantly, one should note Mike John did not receive an invitation to PGF World 6 – he earned his spot by competing in the only qualifier. At the qualifier, he racked up four submissions. Mike John scored submissions over PGF Season 4 runner-up Dane Leak (RNC), a sub-minute leg lock on another competitor, and a leg lock on another fellow PGF World 6 competitor Jamie Carnall. Again, going to the qualifier, operating under PGF rules (including the new stalling rules), and claiming his spot – gives Mike John a huge leg up in these rankings. No one gave Mike John a spot, he had to fight for it – and one has to believe he’s going to make sure he makes an impact now that he’s on the roster.

#11 AJ Agazarm – Agazarm has a lot of accolades to his name: ADCC silver medalist, IBJJF No-Gi Champion, IBJJF Pans No-Gi Champion, West Coast Trials silver medalist, IBJJF European No-Gi Champion. He came up as a wrestler, ending his career at The Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in finance (so he’s smart as well). The reasons someone so accomplished and talented is ranked in the bottom half are (1) most these accolades were seven or more years ago, and (2) more importantly, the vast majority of Agazarm’s wins come from points, referee decisions, or advantages. He’s faced Renato Canuto twice, ending with a draw once and losing by advantage the other time. He’s faced John Combs twice, winning by ref decision and losing the other one by points. Wrestling and controlling someone are just the beginning of the formula for scoring points in the PGF – submissions are king. As with other competitors on this list, the question is whether Agazarm can de-program the points mentality after having competed with so much success in IBJJF and ADCC competitions where winning a match by points is a valid strategy.

#12 David Evers – You PGF Season 3, 170lb CHAMPION, David “Quadzilla” Evers! Evers is a newly minted black belt. You won’t find much of his competition footage, because as he put it, “I’m the only hobbyist on the roster.” But seriously, the man is special. He has a super unique body type which Kevin Beuhring, above, says “requires you to adjust every technique” to try to make it work on him. Evers won PGF Season 3 while also working his day job…as a NASA rocket scientist (okay, engineer but scientist rolls off the tongue better). To learn more about Evers, check out THIS ARTICLE or watch PGF Season 3 HERE. A number of competitors are going to overlook Evers (not a short joke, David – please don’t hurt the Editorial Board, sir)…and Evers will take their feet home with him. Evers also had a great interview with the PGF Insiders which can be seen HERE.

#13 Jett Thompson – The BOY WONDER!!! But seriously, this 17-year-old brown belt (yeah, he’s a minor so be careful what you say/do around the young man) will become a fan favorite this season. He has two wins over Ben Eddy. He had a loss at the recent ADCC West Coast Trials to PGF Veteran Nick Craton (who had a great run), but Thompson had Craton in trouble from the start. Don’t let Thompson’s Oklahoman manners fool you, he’s a killer. Thompson has been training since he was very young. He home schools so he can focus on jiu jitsu. He splits time training at The Forge BJJ in Oklahoma and spending at least one week a month traveling to Arlington, Texas to train exclusively with the Watkins Wrecking Crew. The word through the grapevine is multiple competitors had plenty of comments about Thompson when they found out he was on the roster…things like “damn, he’s tough,” “I’ve faced him and he’s no joke,” etc. Thompson represents all those kids who started jiu jitsu at a young age around the US about a decade ago as jiu jitsu was becoming more well-known and widespread. He’s going to be part of ushering in this new wave of killer jiu jitsu competitors that grew up eating, breathing, and living jiu jitsu. He’s got a chance to upset a lot of folks on this list. Jett had a great interview with the PGF Insiders that can be watched HERE.

#14 Ben Eddy – The 10th Planet Black Belt currently training out of 10th Planet Austin is extremely unique. He’s one of the best rubber guard players in the world. He’s the creator of the Hindulotine and he’s guaranteed he’ll hit at least four of them in the PGF. To be fair, he has hit the Hindulotine on John Combs in competition. Still, Eddy has dropped two matches to Jett Thompson above and lost to PGF Veteran Dane Leak in the recent ADCC West Coast Trials. He also has a number of losses recently in ADCC Opens. Eddy can be dangerous, but if his opponents can stay away from his rubber guard (and you have to imagine they are working those strategies), Eddy could score less points than many fans are estimating. HOWEVER, even if one argued Eddy only had one real weapon, being his rubber guard game – it’s a dang bazooka. Upon further review of the film, Ben Eddy enters into his rubber guard game very quickly, moving right for his Hindulotine or triangle variation. In past seasons of the PGF, competitors trying to play the rubber guard game have had issues progressing through their game within the six minute PGF rounds. Ben Eddy doesn’t have that problem. If he gets an overhook, he’s probably going to be able to move into his rubber guard game. Granted, every competitor on the PGF should know to watch out for Ben Eddy’s game, but can they stop it? Moreover, looking back at Eddy’s wins, they are almost exclusively submission victories. So, 14 it is. Admittedly, Eddy could very well overperform this number if he can hit a number of Hindulotines, but at the same time, there’s a lot of great wrestlers in the overall roster. If they can stay out of Eddy’s guard, he could also underperform. Either way, Eddy provides a unique and exciting element to PGF World 6.

#15 Samson Phommabout – Nicknamed “the Hustler” in PGF Season 4 because this man has so many irons in the fire – seriously, besides owning a barbershop, doing videography/photography including helping produce Subversiv, and his combat sports, he also has his own beverage company in phaze International. Samson is a mixed martial artist and jiu jitsu practitioner who has been on Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds and was number two in the regular season of PGF Season 4, earning a spot in the finale tournament. Just to earn his spot in PGF Season 4, he had to submit multi-season PGF veteran Mario Gaor and PGF Season 5 competitor Carson Thigpen. At the PGF World 6 Qualifier, he scored a quick an outside heel hook win before falling to eventual qualifier runner-up Jamie Carnall (and a subsequent ref decision to another competitor). In the ADCC Long Beach Open, Samson won his bracket, defeating ADCC Hall of Famer Baret Yoshida and scoring two quick submissions in subsequent round, including an Elbow-Genie (sub-one-minute) submission in the championship round. Samson has some great experience in the PGF format. He has the grit of a mma fighter and the smarts of a hustler. Samson will be dangerous this season.

#16 Daniel Sathler – A black belt under ADCC and IBJJF Hall of Famer Andre Galvao, Sathler is an up and coming jiu jitsu athlete. He got a highlight submission on Who’s Number One 22 against Max Hanson – hitting a flying triangle that he transitioned into an arm bar; he had also previously beat Max Hanson via points at the 2023 IBJJF No-Gi Worlds. Sathler has a on of experience, but it’s mostly in the gi and when no-gi it’s in the IBJJF. He’s super athletic and faces a room full of killers at ATOS, but he might end up with a bunch of draws. Overall in the matches tracked online, he shows a high submission rate, but trying to track down the film on these subs, and separating out the no-gi subs from the gi subs has proven very difficult. Sathler is definitely dangerous and every opponent shouldn’t underestimate his abilities, but the film just isn’t there to support a higher ranking.

#17 Cam Hurd – a purple belt out of Silver Back/Ascend Nova, Hurd is a PGF Season 5 veteran. Hurd started grappling through wrestling at the age of 5 and continued up through his time at NCAA Division 1 with Virginia Tech. After a few years in the workforce, he found jiu jitsu and his grappling DNA reawakened. While he had some issues with securing submissions during PGF Season 5, he’s shown the maturity and reflection that he needs to adjust his game for the PGF. He recently had a great run in the ADCC West Coast Trials. Now that the trials are over, he’s going to focus on the PGF and with his experience in the PGF, his decades grappling, and sheer physicality – he’s going to be fun to watch. PGF World fans can watch his interview with the PGF Insiders is HERE – his personality and genuine character will win the fans over this season, for sure.

#18 Nathan Haddad – He’s a brown belt representing Helio Soneca BJJ and Combat Core Sports in Louisville, Ky. Haddad had an awesome run in the -88kg division of the most recent East Coast Trials (even putting CJJ Worlds Champion Ryan Aitken is some serious peril). Haddad has a nice wrestling style, highlighted by throw-bys which sets him up to take the back and sink in those RNCs. Even the matches where he doesn’t get the submission, he’s normally on his opponent’s backs looking for the RNC. Given a little refinement on his RNC, Haddad should be racking up kills left and right. He’s an up-and-coming submission grappler. As a bonus, he’s a black belt and instructor in the Voice of the PGF, Matt Skaff’s favorite martial art: Krav Maga (old school PGF fans will get this reference).

#19 Kywan Gracie – Kywan is a black belt, training under PGF Coach and THE GOAT Roger Gracie in London. Kywan’s lower ranking is a result of the low sample size of recent competition footage. He only has two no-gi matches in the last five years available online. He was a part of Polaris 20, facing two monsters in Richie “Boogie” Martinez and Mason Fowler. Gracie was able to withstand the Boogie match, showing some great defense. Kywan showed a very slick flying armbar against Fowler, but Fowler defended and got the submission himself. Kywan is definitely skilled and a warrior (the man has fought in Bellator), but it’s hard to bank much on his submission-only, no-gi skills without more data.

#19

#20 Jamie Carnall – Everyone talks about the great jiu jitsu in Southern California, but Carnall is here to represent NorCal. Carnall’s been training for five years, ever since he had a serious injury mountain biking. He started at Avilla BJJ in Grass Valley and started cross-training at Precision Jiu Jitsu at purple belt. He’s recently started teaching at Subluxt Jiu Jitsu in Yuba City, California. But seriously, he looked great at the PGF World 6 Combine. He got a lot of submissions, including on some folks ranked above Carnall. Apparently Carnall is offended if he doesn’t have the highest number, according to his interview with Tim Freeman on the Inside BJJ Podcast. So, you get what you desire, Carnall. Carnall took this ranking in good stride, saying, “imagine being submitted by the 20th ranked guy.” Carnall is coming to Las Vegas to spoil some competitors’ weeks. He’s a wild man and should be a lot of fun for the fans to watch.

Well, there you have it – Egghead’s Power Rankings. Regardless of where the competitors end up on anyone’s list – they’ve all made it. They made the PGF World 6 roster with a chance at winning up to $40,000 individually ($20k for being part of the winning regular season team and $20k for winning the post-season finale tournament). Everyone on this list will be a part of the PGF World family and a part of changing the submission grappling game, so competitors can truly be professional athletes. As with every season, the Editorial Board at Eggheadwarrior.com will provide fantasy analysis before each day of the PGF Season, along with recaps after each day. The Fantasy league is free and fans can win real prizes by playing. Be sure to check out the beginning of the PGF World 6 season on April 21st LIVE AND FREE on Brandon Mccaghren’s YouTube page. Remember the Professional Grappling Federation is everything you love about sports, plus jiu jitsu!

News about PGF Season 6 will be continually revealed throughout the few weeks before the PGF premieres. To keep up with the latest news, check out the PGF Insiders Podcast on Brandon Mccaghren’s YouTube Channel. Of course be sure to check out the official PGF website: PGF World and follow @pgfworld on Instagram.

The PGF Insiders will always work to provide the latest and greatest information regarding the PGF and you can see their weekly podcasts on the McDojo Life YouTube Channel or Brandon Mccaghren’s channel. Special thanks to Walo Jay for all the great photos. Those interested in Walo’s work can check out his YouTube page and Walo’s website.

Dangerous Kevin Beuhring

Take a second and think about where you were after your first year of training jiu jitsu. Kevin Beuhring was winning a Professional Grappling Federation Qualifier and submitting his way into the post-season of PGF Season 3. Now, Kevin Beuhring has delivered on the promise he showed as a white belt. He’s a SOLID competitor and ready for a breakout performance at PGF World 6 in Las Vegas, starting on April 21st, LIVE on Brandon Mccaghren‘s Youtube page.

Kevin Beuhring sinks in a heel hook to win the PGF Season 3 Jacksonville Qualifier. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

Kevin has that almost trite Karate Kid/Never Back Down story. He got in a fight in high school. Kevin thought it was going to be a battle of pugilism – but he was wrong. His opponent double-legged him, mounted him, then beat the crap out of him. Young Kevin’s answer – get HUGE. So, Beuhring set about eating as much food as possible and lifting weights like crazy. He got up from 160lb to the 190s. Then another common story emerged – Kevin had a friend invite him to try jiu jitsu. Beuhring with his new muscles thought he’d show these guys “what’s what.” Well, we all know how that worked out. Beuhring ran into a buzzsaw named Stephen Dana (another PGF veteran). Stephen tapped Beurhing more than 20 times in five minutes. At that point, Beurhring knew he was in the right place. That place was 10th Planet Atlanta where Kevin trains under 10th Planet Black Belt and mastermind Sean Applegate. At 10th Planet Atlanta, Beuhring is not only led by a mastermind but also has a training room full of killers such as CJJ Worlds Champion Ryan Aitken, the face of the PGF Elijah Carlton, Chase Hannah, and many others.

Kevin Beuhring sinks in an arm bar at Summit Grappling Championships 7. Thanks to Jamie Houston and the Summit Grappling team for this picture.

“Dangerous Kevin” first entered the PGF scene during the Season 3 qualifiers. After about one year of training, still a white belt, Kevin traveled to the Jacksonville Qualifier. Kevin showed how dangerous a white belt can be as he submitted all of his opponents on his way to earning a roster spot in PGF Season 3. By the time the regular season rolled around, Sean Applegate had awarded Kevin his blue belt. This blue belt who had been training a little more than one year finished in the top eight, making the playoffs. In the finale tournament, Kevin fell to eventual champion and fellow PGF World 6 competitor David Evers. But PGF Season 3 was only a jumping off point for Beuhring.

Kevin Beuhring fends off his opponent in a super fight during the PGF Season 4 Finale. Beuhring won by submission. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

Since PGF Season 3, Dangerous Kevin has been in continuous competition mode…and he’s been winning. To list off just a bit of Kevin’s resume he is the Sapateiro 170lb Champion (beating PGF World 6 competitor Max Hanson to get the belt), the Midwest Finishers 170lb Champion, a Summit Grappling 3x Absolute Champion and Grappler of the Year. Kevin holds the fastest submission record for five grappling promotions. Beuhring is an ADCC Open Silver Medalist and a Main Character Jiu Jitsu 170lb champion – winning via heel hook in 26 seconds.

PGF World 6 has a stacked roster of proven grapplers. While many competitors might feel a little anxious up against such a murderer’s row, Beuhring only sees opportunity. “I feel super good [about the level of competition]. My goal since I started jiu jitsu was to face the highest level of competition. To figure out what they bring to the table and how I can crack the puzzle. Not having to worry about points is really nice. You can play your entire game. Our team is a submission oriented team. Not having to worry about someone scoring two [points] and running away from me. It’s going to be actual jiu jitsu the entire time.” To be sure, Dangerous Kevin is ready for PGF World 6. “I’m very excited to test myself against such high level competition,” he said.

Kevin Beuhring works a knee cut pass against his opponent. Thanks to Jamie Houston and the Summit Grappling team for this picture.

Of course, besides the high level of competition, PGF World 6 offers competitors the chance to be on the team of one of four legendary coaches: Roger Gracie, Andre Galvao, Rigan Machado, and Eddie Bravo. Beuhring recognizes the chance to spend the week with any of the coaches is a great opporunity. He said “In a week’s span it’s going to be hard for them…you know Roger to teach me his mount game or Eddie teaching me his rubber guard game. I might be able to pick up a couple of things, but more so [I want to learn] the overarching philosophy of these guys – how they compete, how they get ready for matches, the longevity of these guys. I could learn a lot in the week span from them.”

PGF Announcer Stephen Eakin interviews Kevin Beuhring after a super fight during the PGF Season 4 Finale. Photo Courtesy of Walo Jay.

But in the end, it’s the competing itself that means the most to Dangerous Kevin. While some competitors might be trying to play games within games with strategies, Kevin only has one thing on his mind. “We’re always going for the kill,” he said. Kevin continued “This for me is just experience. Trying to game the rule set instead of getting experience is really silly for a 22-year-old purple belt. I’m really going out there trying to find holes in my game; to see how people answer my game. Even though it is $20k/$40k and that is really nice, obviously. I expect to make much more than that in the future. It might sound a little cringy, but it’s true.” The face of the PGF, Elijah Carlton, has pressed the point that Kevin will be a real contender this season. “I don’t think you understand how good Kevin is. He’s the best grappler in the room right now. Kevin is hands down the best dude in the room right now. He’s scary to touch. Just touching him, connecting with him. I’m like [screwed]. I’m not safe in any situation,” he said. Carlton is 52-2-5 overall in the PGF. If the winner of seasons 1, 5, and the regular seasons of PGF 3 is concerned for his safety when connecting with Beuhring, then every competitor in PGF World 6 should take note.

PGF fans met Dangerous Kevin Beuhring as a very promising white belt. Now, we get to see him as much more dangerous purple belt. The greater jiu jitsu public may not know about Kevin Beuhring now, but rest assured they will know his name by the end of PGF World 6.

The editors at EggheadWarrior.com thank the PGF Insiders, and Kevin and Alex Beuhring for providing the content of this article. Those wanting to hear the PGF Insiders interview Kevin Beurhing can check it out HERE. The PGF Insiders will always work to provide the latest and greatest information regarding the PGF and you can see their weekly podcasts on the McDojo Life YouTube Channel or Brandon Mccaghren’s channel. Special thanks to Walo Jay for all the great photos. Those interested in Walo’s work can check out his YouTube page and Walo’s website.