Professional Grappling Federation

Leadership

PGF Founders & Board of Advisors

The PGF is guided by creators, producers, athletes, and legends who carry the sport forward. Meet the founders shaping the league and the advisory board keeping the standard high.

PGF founders Zoltan Bathory, Keelan Lawyer, Brandon McCaghren, and Heather Grace Gracie.

Zoltan Bathory

Co-Founder · Five Finger Death Punch

Musician, martial artist, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur, with several internationally recognized brands under his leadership. He is an actively competing judo and jiu-jitsu black belt, a national silver medalist, and the founder and guitar player of the multi-platinum hard rock juggernaut, Five Finger Death Punch.

Keelan Lawyer

Co-Founder · Subconscious Studios

At the forefront of video production and technology in martial arts, his innovative approach at Subconscious Studios has redefined Jiu Jitsu cinematography. His creative and technical prowess have established him as a key innovator in the industry.

Brandon McCaghren

Co-Founder · PGF Commissioner

A black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and a leading martial arts influencer, he has cultivated a substantial digital following through his social media content. Known for his expert color commentary in major Jiu-Jitsu promotions such as UFC, CJJ, EBI and ADCC, his voice has become synonymous with the sport's evolving narrative.

Heather Grace Gracie

Co-Founder · CEO, Gracie Fight Management

Serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Gracie Fight Management, guiding the careers of heavyweight fighters. As the granddaughter of Carlos Gracie Sr., she is a member of the royal family of martial arts, the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Dynasty.

Board of Advisors

Icons and innovators from the worlds of Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and combat sports who keep the PGF aligned with elite standards on and off the mat.

Royce Gracie portrait

Royce Gracie

UFC Hall of Famer

Global ambassador of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu whose pioneering UFC victories introduced the art to millions worldwide.

Carlos Machado portrait

Carlos Machado

8th-Degree Coral Belt

Renowned instructor with thousands of students across the globe, celebrated for technical excellence and leadership.

Jean Jacques Machado portrait

Jean Jacques Machado

8th-Degree Coral Belt & ADCC Hall of Famer

Legendary competitor and instructor recognised for his innovative approach and 2024 ADCC Hall of Fame induction.

Eddie Bravo portrait

Eddie Bravo

Founder, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu

Trailblazing coach and promoter behind Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds and the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI).

Pedro Sauer portrait

Pedro Sauer

8th-Degree Coral Belt

Revered technician under Rickson Gracie, known for his detail-rich instruction and decades of service to the art.

Renzo Gracie portrait

Renzo Gracie

PRIDE, UFC & ADCC Veteran

Iconic competitor and founder of Renzo Gracie Academy NYC, instrumental in spreading Jiu-Jitsu worldwide.

Mike Swain portrait

Mike Swain

4-Time Judo Olympian

First American male Judo World Champion and former U.S. Olympic coach, bringing elite competitive insight.

Joe Marchal portrait

Joe Marchal

8th-Degree Coral Belt

Olympian, national champion, and coach with decades of experience guiding athletes at the highest level.

Jonathan Anastas

Global Brand Strategist

Former CMO of ONE Championship and veteran tech and media executive advising PGF on league growth.

Mica Cipili

6th-Degree Black Belt

Competitive champion and master instructor with a long history of developing elite grapplers.