Press Center
Media resources for Alabama's first professional grappling team
Fact Sheet
Team Overview
Team: Alabama Twisters
League: Professional Grappling Federation (PGF)
Coach: Renato Canuto
Season: 8
Prize Pool: $100,000 team grand prize, $20,000 individual playoff prize
Historic Milestone
First state-based team in the PGF, representing Alabama's growing jiu-jitsu community and owned by local gym owners and athletes who united to bring professional grappling to the state.
Roster
Raphael Ferreira
17-year-old phenom
Kris Olivo
Veteran anchor
Matt Masch
Elite competitor
Brady Hylton
Rising talent
Jordan Wirth
Dynamic grappler
Community Ownership
Owned by a collective of 9 local gym owners across Alabama, following a model inspired by the Green Bay Packers:
• 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)
Industry Growth
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Growth
- • 104% participation growth since 2004
- • ~750,000 practitioners nationwide
- • 18 million Americans in martial arts
- • 80%+ growth in cross-training facilities
PGF League Stats
- • 30,000+ Instagram followers
- • Millions of YouTube views
- • Weekly broadcasts every Wednesday
- • Growing media coverage and partnerships
Press Releases
Alabama Twisters Bring Pro Grappling Home with Seven-Figure PGF Deal
Alabama has a new professional sports team, but you won't find them on a field or a court. The Alabama Twisters, the state's first professional grappling team, have officially launched in the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) after a landmark seven-figure deal.
Owned by a coalition of six local Jiu Jitsu gym owners and three of their athletes, the Twisters aim to establish Alabama as a new hub in the rapidly growing world of professional combat sports.
Press Coverage
PGF's Brandon McCaghren Breaks Down Why Fans Can't Miss Season 8
FloGrappling
"Canuto's Alabama Twisters took a different route—young, scrappy, aggressive athletes with a ton of upside, then anchored by a powerful veteran in Kris Olivo. That's a team built for high output and big, highlight finishes."
Season 8 Roster
Current Season 8 Points: 15
Head Coach
Renato Canuto
Raphael Ferreira
Kris Olivo
Matt Masch
Brady Hylton
Jordan Wirth
Press Photos
Professional photos optimized for web viewing with high-resolution originals (60-100MB) available for publication download.
Team Photos
Individual Athletes
Ownership Group
Key Figures
Two versions available: Optimized web versions for fast viewing, and original high-resolution files for publication. For additional photos or specific image requests, contact info@alabamatwisters.org
Media Contact
Press Inquiries
info@alabamatwisters.orgHigh-resolution photos, additional press materials, and interview requests available upon request.