Qualifier Recap
Everything is Faster in Texas: Oranday Blazes Through Dallas PGF Qualifier
UFC BJJ veteran Austin Oranday dominates the Dallas Qualifier with a versatile submission game, proving the PGF's 20-second shot clock is creating the most exciting grappling on earth.
The march toward the 2026 PGF Season (kicking off March 4, 2026) made its fourth stop this weekend in Dallas, Texas. Hosted by the Las Vegas Kings at Octagon MMA, the Dallas Qualifier didn't just meet the high bar set by Auburn, Gatlinburg, and Pasadena—it vaulted over it.
If there was any doubt that the PGF rule set—specifically the 20-second shot clock—is fundamentally changing the pace of professional grappling, Dallas provided the definitive answer. We are witnessing the highest submission rate in the history of the sport.
The Oranday Era Begins
Emerging from the smoke in Dallas was UFC BJJ veteran Austin Oranday, a athlete who personifies the PGF was built to showcase. Oranday didn't just win; he dictated terms.
Oranday’s path to the Golden Ticket showcased his versatility. He secured a Straight Ankle Lock in 21 seconds, a Triangle at 2:31, and a blistering 13-second Aoki Lock over Cody Welty. His ability to finish from both the upper and lower body—and do it at a breakneck pace—makes him an immediate problem for any Season 9 competitor.
By The Numbers: The Dallas Breakdown
The PGF is the only promotion in the world that treats Jiu Jitsu like a professional major league, and that means leaning into the data. Here is how the Dallas field performed:
Average Win Time (Submissions): 1 minute 19 seconds.
Submission Rate: ~83% (Only 2 matches went to a decision).
The "Elbow Genie" Rate: 44% of matches were finished in under 60 seconds, earning the coveted bonus point.
| Matchup | Result | Time | Submission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Oranday vs. Rodolfo Dominguez | Break | 0:21 | Straight Ankle |
| Austin Oranday vs. Jamual Parks | Kill | 2:31 | Triangle |
| Austin Oranday vs. Cody Welty | Break | 0:13 | Aoki Lock |
| Austin Oranday vs. Noah Mccully | Break | 0:52 | Aoki Lock |
The "Four Kings" of the Qualifiers
With four qualifiers in the books, we now have a scouting report on the four men guaranteed a spot in the PGF 2026 Draft. When we compare their stats, a fascinating picture of the upcoming season emerges:
Travis Haven (Gatlinburg): The "Efficiency King." Haven holds the record for the fastest total work time, finishing five opponents in a combined 3:12.
Anthony "TV Dinner" Salisbury (Auburn): The "Sprinter." Salisbury specialized in the sub-60-second "Break," proving he is a heat-seeking missile from the opening bell.
Sam Schwartzapfel (Pasadena): The "Veteran Technician." With 4 submissions in 5 matches, Sam used his PGF experience to navigate the toughest bracket of the preseason.
Austin Oranday (Dallas): The "Versatile Killer." Oranday showed the widest variety of finishes (Strangle, Ankle Lock, Aoki, Triangle).
Why the Rule Set is Winning
The most important takeaway from Dallas, and the preseason as a whole, is the validation of the PGF's unique mechanics. While other promotions struggle with "stalling" and "gaming the points," the PGF’s 20-second shot clock and the 6-minute sub-only format are producing a product that is objectively more exciting.
We are seeing a trend where the "feeling out" process has been deleted. In Dallas, 6 out of 18 matches were over before the two-minute mark. This isn't just a streak; it's the new standard. As we head toward the Philadelphia Qualifier on January 17th, the message to the rest of the grappling world is clear: In the PGF, if you aren't hunting the finish, you're already losing.