Welterweight Thad Jean claimed the championship title in the PFL, culminating his participation in the 2025 World Tournament in a resounding manner this Friday in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Jean (11-0), who started the year as a relatively unknown competitor, proved his worth by defeating an experienced opponent, Logan Storley (18-4).
Despite showing signs of exhaustion at the end of the fight, Jean managed to stand firm in the center of the cage, exchanging blows until the end.
The three judges awarded the victory to Jean with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
This victory marks a high point for Jean, who had previously achieved a knockout in the first round against Mukhamed Berkhamov and then defeated Jason Jackson, former Bellator MMA champion, by split decision in June.
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 do it,” Jean declared. “This is my belt, and I’m ready to fight anyone.”
Thad Jean
Jean impacted Storley with a front kick and a head kick in the second round, followed by powerful uppercuts and knee strikes. Although Storley managed to survive the round, he demonstrated his resilience and experience.
The former NCAA wrestling champion relied on his grappling skills to wear down Jean, but the latter managed to maintain enough energy to defend against submission attempts and continue connecting his jab.
In addition to the welterweight final, the final of the 2025 featherweight world championship was also held, where Movlid Khaybulaev, former PFL champion, obtained his second title at 145 pounds.
Khaybulaev (24-0-1) submitted Jesus Pinedo (25-7-1) at 1:17 of the fifth round, in one of the best performances of his career. Pinedo started strong in the exchange of blows, but had difficulties to keep the fight standing over time.
Khaybulaev threatened to finish the fight on several occasions on the ground and used the threat of takedowns to set up his attacks.
The final submission came with an arm triangle, being the fourth submission victory in his career.
Khaybulaev, 34, dedicated the victory to his late coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The PFL World Championships will continue on August 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the lightweight, bantamweight, and women’s flyweight championships.
