The road to Who’s Number One 30 just got a lot more interesting. Saturday night, 247 Fighting Championships hosted an 8-man open bracket featuring some of the toughest grapplers Pittsburgh has to offer. In the end Justin Michael emerged victorious, securing the final spot in what’s shaping up to be the biggest jiu-jitsu event in Pittsburgh history.

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Justin put together one of the most impressive runs of the night, submitting his way through the early rounds before edging out a razor-close decision in the final. With the win, he joins an already stacked lineup of world-class competitors at WNO 30, adding yet another dangerous 10th Planet representative to the mix.

Quarterfinals: Submissions Galore

The night kicked off fast, with all four quarterfinal matches ending by submission.

Tanner Hall wasted no time, recovering from an early takedown to snatch a quick outside heel hook for the tap.

Justin Michael made his presence known early by pulling guard and immediately attacking the legs. He finished with a brutal straight ankle lock that twisted with a bit of Aoki-lock flavor.

Gerry Rayburn showed slick transitions in his match, attacking from the back before catching his opponent in a kneebar off a false reap setup.

And to round out the opening round, Alex Hudic weathered some heavy top pressure before locking up a triangle choke from half guard to seal his spot in the semifinals.

Semifinals: Leg Locks and a Twister

Justin Michael once again went to work from guard, playing patiently until he found his opening. A smooth inversion and tight leg entanglement led to a nasty kneebar, forcing Tanner Hall to tap and sending Justin to the finals.

On the other side of the bracket, Gerry Rayburn delivered the wildest finish of the night. After launching into a flying triangle attempt and scrambling into back control, Gerry transitioned to a modified twister.

Finals: Close Call

The finals between Justin Michael and Gerry Rayburn lived up to the hype. Both men had their moments. Gerry attacking early, Justin grinding his way back into control. The match went to overtime, where Justin’s steady pressure and a near guard pass were enough to earn him the nod on the scorecards.

It wasn’t flashy, but it was gritty. The kind of performance that proves Justin belongs on the big stage.

Looking Ahead to WNO 30

With his win, Justin Michael officially claims the final spot in the WNO 30 Open Weight Tournament, joining an elite field that promises fireworks. His submission-heavy style and 10th Planet pedigree make him a dark horse to watch and he'll have the hometown advantage but he'll have a big step up in competition next Friday when he see's some of the world's best grapplers like Declan moody, Dante Leon, Achilles Rocha and more. 

The stage is set, and the city’s newest star is ready for his shot.