In preparation for the new 13-week season format, a strategic and exciting live draft resulted in the creation of four new teams who will compete for the PGF World Championship.
The Professional Grappling Federation, the world’s fastest-paced grappling format, and a driving force in the evolution of modern Jiu-Jitsu, today announced the results of the Season 8 draft, streamed live on YouTube.
As the league grows closer to the debut of their new 13-week season, four legendary coaches have bid on, and selected their respective teams who will compete for the $150,000 prize pool.
TOP TALENT SECURED:
- The New Hope Kings, with Coach Robert Drysdale, set a PGF Draft record per-athlete bid, when they secured Jett Thompson for $7,700
- Mica Cipili made waves, investing heavily to secure young gun JJ Bowers for $6,600
- Other major moves include Raphael Ferreira and Christos Papadelos.
BARGAIN BUYS STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT
- Dom Lobo – $1,000
- Landon Elmore – $1600
- Matt Masch – $2500
TEAM LINEUPS FINALIZED
Each coach – Andy Varela, Robert Drysdale, Mica Cipili, and Robert Drysdale, assembled a high-calibre roster ready for competition:
Team Robert Drysdale
- Jett Thompson: $7,700
- Anthony Gojani: $1,000
- Anthony Molina: $1,500
- Juan Martinez: $3,800
- Dominic Lobo: $1,000
Team Renato Canuto
- Matt Masch: $2,500
- Jordan Wirth: $1,100
- Kris Olivo: $3,500
- Raphael Ferreira: $6,400
- Brady Hylton: $1,500
Team Andy Varela
- Brady Branscum: $3,500
- Mike John: $3,200
- Armin Bruni: $1,400
- Landon Elmore: $1,600
- Christos Papadelos: $5,300
Team Mica Cipili
- Zack Schneider: $2,300
- JJ Bowers: $6,600
- Robert Blackledge: $1,200
- CJ Murdock: $1,100
- John Chandler: $3,800
DRAFT DETAILS & FORMAT
The PGF’s auction draft gives each coach $15,000 to build a 5-man starting team. Bidding is open, requiring a strategic balance between marquee talent and depth.
SEASON 8 EVENT SCHEDULE Season 8 streams live every Wednesday from July 23 to August 20 on Youtube, at 4PM PST with the Playoffs taking place on September 10.
About the PGF
The Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) was created to revolutionize Jiu-Jitsu competition and bring real career opportunities to athletes in the fastest-growing combat sport on Earth. With an emphasis on fast-moving action, team-based formats, franchise ownership, and high-quality streaming content, the PGF has become one of the most influential brands in modern grappling. Information on PGF events, seasons, athletes, and additional content can be found at www.pgf.world or the league’s social channels.
PGF Founders and Board of Advisors
Brandon McCaghren – PGF Commissioner. A 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu black belt and Hall of Fame inductee, Brandon is one of the sport’s most respected voices, serving as an on-air analyst and commentator for UFC Fight Pass, Combat Jiu-Jitsu (CJJ), Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), and ADCC.
Keelan Lawyer – Founder of Subconscious Studios, BJJ black belt, and visionary filmmaker who redefined how Jiu-Jitsu is shot, edited, and delivered to the world. His cinematic style and real-time storytelling helped set a new standard for how grappling is streamed and experienced.
Zoltan Bathory – One of the most recognized ambassadors of Jiu-Jitsu in mainstream culture. A black belt in both BJJ and Judo, Zoltan is a serial entrepreneur with multiple global brands under his leadership—and also moonlights as the founder and guitarist of the multi-platinum, global arena-headlining band Five Finger Death Punch.
Heather Grace Gracie – A key figure from the royal family of martial arts, Heather has grown up immersed in the world of Jiu-Jitsu. She is the owner of Gracie Worldwide, a fight management agency, and a serial entrepreneur with deep connections in athlete development and combat sports business.
PGF Board of Advisors:
- Royce Gracie – UFC Hall of Famer and global ambassador of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Carlos Machado – 8th-degree coral belt and renowned instructor to thousands worldwide.
- Jean Jacques Machado – 8th-degree coral belt and 2024 ADCC Hall of Fame inductee.
- Renzo Gracie – PRIDE, UFC, and ADCC legend, founder of Renzo Gracie Academy NYC.
- Pedro Sauer – 8th-degree coral belt under Rickson Gracie and revered technician.
- Mica Cipili – 6th-degree black belt, competitive champion and master instructor.
- Eddie Bravo – Founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI).
- Jonathan Anastas – Former CMO of ONE Championship, veteran global brand marketer, gaming, music and sports executive.
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