Best Submissions of the PFL World Tournament 2025
Submissions Define the PFL World Tournament
The Professional Fighters League has become the global stage for grapplers who thrive under pressure. The unique season-and-playoff format often forces fighters to hunt for finishes, and in 2025 the World Tournament delivered some of the most dramatic submissions in recent MMA memory. From young prospects to proven veterans, each highlight was a reminder of how diverse and deadly ground fighting can be inside the PFL SmartCage.
Jake Hadley vs. Matheus Mattos
Former flyweight standout Jake Hadley reminded fans why he’s one of the slickest submission hunters in MMA. His victory over Matheus Mattos at the World Tournament showcased his crisp jiu-jitsu instincts, locking in a decisive finish. For Hadley, the win over Mattos was a statement that technique and patience remain timeless tools in the cage.
Movlid Khaybulaev vs. Jesus Pinedo
In featherweight action, 2021 PFL champion Movlid Khaybulaev proved once again that his sambo base is among the most effective in MMA. Against dangerous striker Jesus Pinedo, he dragged the fight into his world and sealed it with a dominant submission. The finish over Pinedo reinforced his reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the league.
Ronnie Gibbs Shocks Biaggio Ali Walsh
Perhaps the most viral moment of the season came from Ronnie Gibbs, who stunned the MMA community by submitting high-profile prospect Biaggio Ali Walsh. That fight has already gone down as one of the biggest MMA upsets ever, and it’s a prime example of how the PFL World Tournament rewards fighters who chase the finish, no matter the odds.
Rising Stars Add to the Submission Legacy
It wasn’t just the headliners making noise. Prospects like Alexei Pergande, Frederik Dupras, and Vinicius Cenci all picked up submission wins, strengthening their claims as future contenders. Veterans such as Brent Primus and Jason Jackson also turned in highlight-reel grappling victories, reminding fans that experience and composure on the mat often decide tournament runs.
The Women’s Division Delivers
On the women’s side, Ekaterina Shakalova and Jena Bishop added their names to the list of submission specialists who left the crowd stunned. Their control and finishing instincts showed that grappling artistry isn’t confined to any one weight class in PFL—it’s woven into the fabric of the entire organization.
Why the PFL Format Breeds Submissions
The World Tournament format demands urgency. Fighters know that a finish not only secures advancement but can also earn bonus points and better seeding in the playoffs. This competitive structure has created an environment where submissions thrive. From rear-naked chokes to guillotines, the SmartCage has become a proving ground for grapplers aiming to make history.
The Legacy of PFL Grappling
From Antonio Carlos Jr.’s dominant 2021 run to Kayla Harrison’s armbar clinics, the PFL has long been a promotion where grappling excellence shines. The 2025 World Tournament only continued that tradition, with names like Tae Kyun Kim, Dalton Rosta, and Mando Gutierrez adding to the submission highlight reel. Whether through established champions or breakout newcomers, submissions remain at the heart of the league’s identity.
The best part? These highlights don’t fade once the season ends. They serve as evergreen reminders of why the PFL continues to stand out as a global leader in MMA—where grapplers, strikers, and hybrid talents all have a chance to carve their legacies through the art of the submission.
