Jean Conquers PFL Welterweight Title: New Champion Shocks!

Thad Jean Crowned Welterweight Champion at PFL

Thad Jean has established himself as the new welterweight champion in the PFL, after an outstanding performance in the 2025 world tournament. Jean proved his worth last Friday in Atlantic City, New Jersey, culminating his journey with a resounding victory. Jean, with an undefeated record of 11-0, faced an experienced opponent, Logan Storley (18-4). Despite showing signs of exhaustion at the end of the fight, Jean managed to hold his ground and finish the match in the center of the cage, exchanging blows. The three judges awarded the victory to Jean, with scorecards of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. This victory represents a notable achievement for Jean, who previously had achieved a knockout in the first round against Mukhamed Berkhamov and a split decision victory over former Bellator MMA champion Jason Jackson.

Storley is a beast. I thought I was going to finish him in the second round, and I think everyone thought I was going to finish him in the second round. This is my belt, and I’m ready to fight anyone.

Thad Jean

In the second round, Jean hurt Storley with a front kick and a head kick, followed by left punches and knee strikes. Although Storley survived, he demonstrated his resilience and experience, focusing on grappling to wear down Jean. However, Jean managed to maintain composure and defend against submission attempts, while continuing to connect his jab. In addition to the welterweight final, the featherweight final also took place, where Movlid Khaybulaev, former PFL champion, secured his second title at 145 pounds. Khaybulaev (24-0-1) submitted Jesus Pinedo (25-7-1) in the fifth round, in one of the best performances of his career. Pinedo started strong, but had difficulty keeping the fight standing. Khaybulaev threatened to finish several times on the ground and used the threat of takedowns to establish his striking. The submission came via an arm triangle, being the fourth submission victory of his career. Khaybulaev, 34, attributed the victory to his late coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib, who was in Khaybulaev’s corner on Friday, praised his fellow Dagestani.

We have trained together for 18 years, since we were children. He was my father’s student. We have trained thousands of rounds together. He is undefeated, two-time PFL champion. I think he is already a legend of the sport.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

The PFL world finals will continue on August 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the lightweight, bantamweight, and women’s flyweight championships.