The Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) is set to kick off its 6th season on April 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. Season 6 features an unprecedented $100,000 grand prize, elevating the competition to new heights. : Legendary names in the sport, including Roger Gracie, Andre Galvao, Eddie Bravo, and Jeff Glover, will serve as team captains.
Zoltan Bathory is best known as the guitarist for the heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch. However, he is also a lifelong martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. During Season 5 of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) in 2021, Bathory became an investor and part owner of the upstart grappling promotion as per founder Brandon Mccaghren.
Bathory was originally just a sponsor for one of the PGF teams that season through his hydration drink company Epic Roll. But when he attended the event, he saw the potential in PGF founder Brandon McCaghren’s vision for a team-based grappling league.
McCaghren went on a podcast and recounted that Bathory approached him mid-week and asked about his plans for PGF’s future. Impressed by what he heard, Bathory offered to invest in and help grow the company.
As a fourth co-owner, Bathory is now using his connections and business acumen to dramatically scale up the production value and visibility of PGF events.
For the upcoming Season 6 in April 2024, the promotion is moving from a local venue in Alabama to Las Vegas. The total prize purse has been increased 10x to $100,000. Bathory has also secured high-profile BJJ figures like Eddie Bravo, Roger Grace, and Jeff Glover as team coaches.
The long term goal is to turn PGF into a true national league for grappling across the United States, with competitions in different weight classes held quarterly. McCaghren aims to make the production value on par with any top professional sporting event.
With Bathory’s backing and network in the entertainment industry, PGF may have the potential to finally elevate grappling into the mainstream. The entire 2022 season will be broadcast globally for free on YouTube and Twitch, introducing the sport to a huge new audience.
