Sports fans, listen up—we have a new local team to root for!

The Alabama Twisters—the state’s first professional grappling team—has officially launched in the Professional Grappling Federation after a landmark seven-figure deal. Read on to learn more about the Twisters and how they plan to establish Alabama as a new hub for professional combat sports.

Introducing the Alabama Twisters, the state’s first professional grappling team

Alabama has a new professional sports team, but you won’t find them on a field or a court. Instead, you’ll find them in a variety of locally-owned gyms throughout the state.

The Alabama Twisters are the newest team to join the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF), a submission-only grappling league with deep Alabama roots. The new team is owned by a coalition of six local Jiu Jitsu gym owners and three of their athletes, including:

Matt Elkins (10th Planet Birmingham)
Russell Marbut (Ohm Jiu Jitsu, Birmingham)
Cole Dobbins (Cobra Jiu Jitsu Chelsea)
J.C. Hiatt (Grapple Jiu Jitsu, Pearl MS)
Shane Mills (Kagefit, Opelika/Auburn)
Josh Yelverton (10th Planet Gulf Shores)
Kurtis Taylor (Cobra BJJ Tuscaloosa)
Jacob Lamar (Cobra BJJ, Athlete)
Flearoy Brown (Cobra Jiu Jitsu Chelsea, Wrestling Coach)

The Alabama Twisters have made a strong start in their PGF debut, ending Week 1 in second place, just a single point behind the leading Team Dollamur.

“We’ve come together as gym owners to create something bigger than ourselves – a platform for our athletes to shine on a national stage while inspiring the next generation back home.”
Matt Elkins, Team President, Alabama Twisters

Founded in Decatur by Brandon Mccaghren and Keelan Lawyer, the PGF is now in its eighth season and has since relocated its headquarters to Las Vegas.

“The Alabama Twisters are pioneering a new era for the Professional Grappling Federation. Their innovative approach not only strengthens ties within Alabama but also sets a blueprint for growing the sport nationwide.”
Brandon Mccaghren, Commissioner, Professional Grappling Federation

The Twisters are coached by world-glass grappler Renato Canuto and feature an elite roster of rising talent:

Raphael Ferreira, a 17-year-old phenom
Kris Olivo, a veteran anchor
Matt Masch, an elite competitor
Brady Hylton, a rising talent
Jordan Wirth, a dynamic grappler

Stay up-to-date with the Alabama Twisters’ latest achievements by following them on Instagram and watching live matches on YouTube. Tag us @bhamnow to let us know what you think!