The PFL has a new breakout champion in its hands. Thad Jean completed his run in the 2025 World Tournament in a resounding manner this Friday in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Jean (11-0), who started the year as an unknown, despite his previous successes in the PFL, took the welterweight title over an experienced opponent like Logan Storley (18-4).
Although Jean seemed exhausted at the end of his five-round fight, he managed to finish the bout exchanging blows in the center of the cage.
The three judges scored in favor of Jean: 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47.
This victory culminated an incredible stage for Jean, who started the tournament with a knockout in the first round against Mukhamed Berkhamov, before defeating former Bellator MMA champion Jason Jackson by split decision in June. Against Storley, he defeated another former Bellator champion and almost finished 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 whoever is next.
Thad Jean
Thad Jean, izquierda, casi finaliza al excampeón de Bellator Logan Storley en el segundo asalto y ganó su final mundial de peso welter de la PFL por decisión unánime.Jean hurt Storley with a front kick and a head kick in the second round, followed by fierce uppercuts and left knees. Storley barely survived the round, but demonstrated his resilience and experience. The former NCAA wrestling champion relied on his grappling to wear down Jean, but Jean managed to maintain enough energy to defend against submission attempts and continue connecting his jab.
In addition to the welterweight world final, the 2025 featherweight world finals concluded on Friday, with former PFL champion Movlid Khaybulaev earning his second 145-pound title.
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 had a good start on his feet, but struggled to keep the fight standing over time. Khaybulaev threatened to finish several times on the ground and used the threat of takedowns to set up his strikes.
The final 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.
The PFL World Championships will continue on August 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the lightweight, bantamweight, and women’s flyweight championships.
