Jean Wins PFL Welterweight Title: Defeats Storley in Epic Final

Thad Jean Crowned Welterweight Champion at PFL

In an action-packed night in Atlantic City, New Jersey, welterweight fighter Thad Jean was crowned champion of the 2025 PFL world tournament. Jean, who began the year as a relatively unknown contender, proved his worth by defeating an experienced opponent, Logan Storley. Jean (11-0) and Storley (18-4) starred in an intense battle where the new champion, despite looking exhausted at the end of the five rounds, managed to maintain composure and secure the victory. The three judges awarded the victory to Jean with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. This triumph culminates Jean’s outstanding career in the tournament. Previously, he achieved a knockout in the first round against Mukhamed Berkhamov and defeated former Bellator MMA champion Jason Jackson by split decision in June. In his match with Storley, Jean demonstrated his superiority by almost finishing him in the second round.

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 connected a front kick and a head kick that hurt Storley, followed by powerful punches and knee strikes. Although Storley managed to survive, he demonstrated his resilience and experience, focusing on the grip to wear down Jean, who, however, remained firm to avoid submissions and connect his jab.

Movlid Khaybulaev Conquers His Second Featherweight Title

In the same evening, Movlid Khaybulaev, former PFL champion, secured his second title in the 145-pound category. Khaybulaev (24-0-1) submitted Jesus Pinedo (25-7-1) in the fifth round, marking one of the best performances of his career. Pinedo had a good start in the fight, but Khaybulaev managed to impose his strategy, threatening to finish the fight on several occasions on the ground and using the threat of takedowns to establish his striking. The final submission came via an arm triangle, the fourth submission victory in Khaybulaev’s career. Khaybulaev, 34, dedicated the victory to his late coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib, who was in Khaybulaev’s corner, praised his Dagestani teammate.

We have trained together for 18 years, since we were children. He was a student of my father. 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.