**Updated: Oliver Taza was previously included on this list. As of Monday, April 5, he has pulled out of the bracket.

The Emerald City Invitational is set to host its premiere event in the famous 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The EBI rules tournament will include 25 superfights — including the return of Jon Calestine.

And in the feature event of the evening, 16 welterweights will square off for a $5,000 cash prize. Many of the athletes invited are decorated competitors, and rhree of the key grapplers in the event are some of the best in the world at 170 lbs; those three are featured in the FloGrappling No-Gi rankings.

With those three athletes involved in this bracket, rankings are on the line. A dominant performance against any of the ranked grapplers could have implications on the rankings in the welterweight division.

Watch The Emerald City Invitation LIVE on FloGrappling on Saturday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m. ET, or anytime ON DEMAND

Who are the top welterweights in the 170 lb bracket?

John Combs

John Combs is a mainstay in the welterweight rankings. His forward style of jiu-jitsu is a test for any opponent. His pace could wear out any of his opponents. If he drags his opponent to overtime, that could work in his favor. But he may not have to rely on overtime to get the victory. Combs has a mean guillotine, and an equally threatening back attack system. He’s finished nearly 75% of his opponents since 2016, and more than three-quarters of those submissions have been chokes. Combs is the no.8-ranked welterweight. He lost by submission to Taza last year, but if they have another run-in here, he could find an opportunity to climb back up the rankings.

PJ Barch

10th Planet’s PJ Barch is a true veteran of the EBI ruleset. Like the two ranked competitors above, Barch boasts an incredibly high 68% submission rate, and an aggressive style of grappling. The no.10-ranked welterweight can mix it up anywhere. He has a tricky guard, including devastating armlocks and leg entanglements. But he may be most dangerous in the top game, and he can wrestle with the best of them.  

Andrew Tackett

The 17 year-old Andrew Tackett may seem a darkhorse in this division at first glance. But make no mistake: although he’s the youngest athlete in the bracket — and just a purple belt — he has what it takes to push through to the finals in this bracket. He’s an explosive and technical wrestler, a talented guard passer and back attacker, he has leg locking experience. But what’s most impressive about Tackett is his pace. He has demonstrated the ability to outwork even the best opponents, and to continue outworking them for north of 15 minutes.

This division will be a huge test for Tackett, who is currently the no.10-ranked lightweight. He’s moving to the heavier 170-lb weight class, and the rankings may soon reflect him in that category. But a solid outing at the Emerald City Invitational could earn him a higher spot in the rankings than 10, especially if he stands out against one of the other men on this list.

Twelve other athletes will take their shot at these four frontrunners in the Emerald City Invitational 170-lb tournament. They are:

• JZ Cavalcante 

• Andy Varella 

• Aaron Wilson 

• Werther Marciales 

• Bobby Emmons 

• Aaron Harris

• Nick Ronan

• Danny Stolfi 

• Andrew Solano  

• Alan Sanchez  

• Kim Terra

• Khalil Fadlallah