Finishers 155lbs Bracket Preview: Who Takes the $1,000 at Money in the Bank?
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The stage is set for another chaotic, high-stakes showdown at Finishers Sub-Only. On July 26, sixteen grapplers will throw down in the Money in the Bank 155lbs Bracket, with $1,000 cash on the line. Whether you're here for the technique, the trash talk, or the chance to watch a dark horse make a run, this bracket is stacked with East Coast killers and breakout talent.
Let’s break down the competitors, spotlight some storylines, and figure out who might walk away with the bag.
What Is Finishers Money in the Bank?
Finishers Sub-Only has become the proving ground for up-and-coming grapplers and seasoned pros alike. Known for its unique format, gritty vibe, and regional rivalries, the Finishers circuit has launched the careers of many top-tier athletes. The Money in the Bank event is a special edition: one night, one bracket, winner takes home a crisp $1,000.
This year’s 155lb lineup showcases gyms from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, making this a true regional clash.
Meet the Competitors: The Full 155lbs Bracket
Standard Jiu Jitsu’s Double Threat
Sid Tavolaro and Logan Hicks represent one of Maryland's fastest-rising teams. Sid brings a slick guard game and relentless pace, while Logan has recently shown major improvements in positional control and finishing ability. These two could meet deep in the bracket unless one knocks the other out of contention first.
10th Planet Brings the Heat
Kevin Miller (10P Allentown) and Mason Klein (10P Reading) are repping that classic 10th Planet style: leg locks, rubber guard, and creativity from unorthodox angles. Expect scrambles, heel hook shootouts, and some Eddie Bravo-approved chaos.
Tactical Pressure and Emerging Talent
Lucas Jones (Mat Factory) is a Finishers veteran with a deep well of competition experience. Representing a well respected grappling gyms, Jones brings calculated pressure and a competition-tested mindset. Ivan Perez (Pressure Jiu Jitsu) is a battle-hardened technician who thrives in slow-cook positional battles and excels at shutting opponents down. Rounding out the trio is Jimmy Gutierrez (Bergen County BJJ), a promising up-and-comer whose sharp technique and composure have already turned heads in recent appearances.
Rising Talent, Ready to Shine
Nick Digiacomo (Webb BJJ) is stepping into this bracket on short rest as he’s scheduled to compete at Fury Pro Grappling the night before. If he shows up healthy, he could be one of the more dynamic threats in the field. Jack Sudduth (Calvert MMA) is another hungry competitor with a fast-developing game, while Damian Maver (Renzo Gracie Warwick) brings deep Finishers experience and a proven ability to scrap with high-level opposition. These three represent the new wave of grapplers looking to break through—and any one of them could spoil someone’s bracket.
Wildcards in the Mix
Roberto Vargas (Staten Island Fight Club / Bodega BJJ) is a bit of a mystery, but one thing’s for sure, he trains out of Bodega BJJ, one of the most respected rooms in the Northeast. If he brings the same sharpness his teammates are known for, he could easily upset a favorite.
Jonathan Lopez (Fight for Tomorrow Academy) has plenty of Finishers experience and is no stranger to tough brackets. He’s smooth, technical, and when he’s on, he’s a legit threat to win the whole thing. Full disclosure: he tapped me earlier this year, so if nothing else, you know the guy’s got good taste in submissions.
Yorgos Vassiliou (Rigoro Gym) remains a complete unknown—but that’s what makes him dangerous. No tape, no hype, no expectations. Those are the guys that sometimes make the most noise.
Ben Smith (Collective Jiu Jitsu) enters this bracket as one of the few black belts in the lineup. He’s competed on various local cards, including past Finishers events, and brings the kind of veteran mindset that could serve him well in the later rounds.
Mike Reina (Precision Boxing and MMA) is one of the youngest competitors in the tournament, but don’t let the age fool you, he’s got a strong wrestling base and knows how to drag people into deep water.
Corey Fernandez (Ambush Jiu Jitsu) also comes in with solid wrestling credentials and a handful of competitions under his belt. If he strings together early momentum, he could end up surprising a few people.
Who’s the Favorite to Win the $1,000?
If you’re looking for favorites, two names rise to the top: Sid Tavolaro and Mason Klein.
Sid has been on a tear lately, showcasing technical dominance, composure under pressure, and a finishing instinct that’s hard to match. Mason, on the other hand, brings the classic 10th Planet fire—explosive, unorthodox, and always hunting for the sub. If they end up on opposite sides of the bracket, we could be looking at a dream final.
The dark horse of the division? Easily Nick Digiacomo. He’s pulling double duty this weekend, competing at Fury Pro Grappling the night before, and if he walks in healthy, he's a real bracket buster. His movement, confidence, and unpredictability make him a tough assignment for anyone.
That said, don’t sleep on Lucas Jones. A Finishers veteran and Mat Factory representative, Lucas brings a blend of wrestling discipline and smart positional grappling. He’s young, but he competes like someone with twice the mat time—and has already proven he can hang with some of the region’s toughest.
On the experience front, both Ivan Perez and Ben Smith enter as the black belts in the division. Ivan thrives in gritty, grindy matches and has the ability to wear opponents down. Ben brings poise and maturity from years of competition, and if he plays a patient game, he could very well sneak into the finals.
Still, this is Finishers. Brackets collapse, chaos reigns, and someone always shows up with something to prove.
When and Where to Watch
Event Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Division: 155lbs Men’s Bracket
Prize: $1,000 cash to the winner
Livestream: Check Finishers Sub Only on Instagram for updates and live broadcast links
Final Thoughts
This bracket has it all: battle-tested vets, stylistic clashes, and fresh blood with something to prove. Whether you’re watching for the love of grappling or scouting the next breakout star, Finishers “Money in the Bank” is a must-watch event.
Who’s your pick to win the 155lb bracket?
Let us know on Instagram or in the blog comments and check back for our post-event recap.