2025 Finishers Fall Classic

Main Event: Technical Mastery and High Stakes

In the main event, Josh Flores delivered a commanding performance, submitting Nick Digiacomo with a precise Heel Hook in the 155 lbs nogi division. Flores's victory highlighted his advanced understanding of leg entanglements and his ability to execute under pressure. The finish demonstrated both tactical awareness and technical execution, setting the tone for the evening.

Co-Main Event: Tactical Exchanges and Positional Battles

The co-main event featured a strategic contest between Sergio Vilas and Matt Cantwell at 205 lbs (nogi). Vilas secured a decision win after a closely contested match marked by calculated positional exchanges and disciplined control. Both athletes displayed strong defensive tactics, with Vilas ultimately edging ahead through superior mat strategy.

Title Fights and Standout Performances

Four title fights added significant stakes to the card, with the main and co-main events serving as the evening's focal points. The event also saw standout performances from competitors such as Rene Sousa, Kevin Miller, and Sharon Meguira, each making a notable impact in their respective divisions through technical execution and competitive drive.

Leg Locks and Submission Trends

Submission victories defined the 2025 Finishers Fall Classic, with a diverse array of techniques on display. Rene Sousa showcased his proficiency in lower limb attacks, submitting Nick Willey via Heel Hook in the 185 lbs nogi main card bout. The prevalence of leg locks continued as Kevin Miller and Elijah Flores each secured wins with the Straight Ankle Lock, emphasizing the effectiveness of aggressive leg lock entries throughout the event.

Upper Body Submissions and Positional Control

Daniel Cohen demonstrated dominant positional control, finishing Kade Sokoli with an expertly applied Arm Triangle Choke. In the women's division, Alysa Couce displayed technical precision, submitting Lauren Barone via Armbar. These results highlighted the depth of technical skill across both male and female brackets, with competitors capitalizing on both upper and lower body submission opportunities. The event reflected current trends in no-gi grappling, where athletes consistently pursue submissions through dynamic transitions and relentless pressure.

The main card featured ten verified matchups, blending submission artistry with strategic decision victories across male and female divisions:

• Josh Flores def. Nick Digiacomo via Heel Hook (Submission), 155 lbs, nogi — Main Event
• Sergio Vilas def. Matt Cantwell by decision, 205 lbs, nogi — Co-Main Event
• Rene Sousa def. Nick Willey via Heel Hook (Submission), 185 lbs, nogi — Main Card
• Kevin Miller def. Mike McCool via Straight Ankle Lock (Submission) — Main Card
• Daniel Cohen def. Kade Sokoli via Arm Triangle Choke (Submission) — Main Card
• Dylan Harnish def. Ramy Alhamrawy by decision — Main Card
• Bobby Riordan def. Jordan Juliano by decision — Main Card
• Elijah Flores def. Alex Hynes via Straight Ankle Lock (Submission) — Main Card
• Sharon Meguira def. Madeleine Avila by decision, 155 lbs, female, nogi — Main Card
• Alysa Couce def. Lauren Barone via Armbar (Submission), female, nogi — Main Card

These results underscore the event's competitive depth, balancing submission excellence with tactical decision victories. The inclusion of both male and female athletes across multiple weight classes contributed to a well-rounded and technically diverse tournament, reflecting the evolving landscape of no-gi grappling.