UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill and determination, Thad Jean has emerged as the new PFL welterweight champion, capping off an electrifying 2025 World Tournament run on August 11, 2025, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Jean (11-0) triumphed over veteran fighter Logan Storley (18-4) in a closely contested five-round battle, securing the title with judges scoring it 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Jean, who was relatively unknown at the start of the year. He began his tournament journey with a spectacular first-round knockout of Mukhamed Berkhamov and followed up with a split decision win against former Bellator MMA champion Jason Jackson in June.
The championship fight proved to be a grueling test for Jean, who pushed through exhaustion to finish strong in the center of the cage. “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,” Jean stated. “This is my belt, and I’m ready to fight whoever’s next.”
During the fight, Jean delivered powerful strikes, including a front kick and head kick that visibly affected Storley. Despite being pressured by Storley’s grappling tactics, Jean’s resilience shone through as he continuously landed effective jabs and defended against submissions.
In addition to the welterweight finals, the PFL also celebrated the achievement of Movlid Khaybulaev, who captured his second featherweight title in an impressive match against Jesus Pinedo. Khaybulaev (24-0-1) secured a submission victory at the 1:17 mark of the fifth round, further solidifying his status as a top competitor in the sport. He credited the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, for his success. Khabib, who cornered Khaybulaev, praised his long-time training partner, stating, “He’s undefeated, two-time PFL champion. I think he’s already a legend of the sport.”
Looking ahead, the PFL World Finals will continue on August 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring championship bouts in the lightweight, bantamweight, and women’s flyweight divisions. Fans and followers eagerly anticipate these upcoming matches as the PFL continues to showcase the best in mixed martial arts.
This thrilling championship event not only highlights the rise of new talent like Thad Jean but also underscores the competitive spirit that defines the PFL. Stay tuned for more updates as these fighters carve their names into the history of the sport.
