The 2025 PFL World Championship Tournament took a major step toward crowning its champions on Thursday as the semifinal round unfolded at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. With pivotal bouts in the welterweight and featherweight divisions, four athletes secured their place in the August finals—and a shot at the coveted PFL title.
Welterweight Final: Thad Jean vs. Logan Storley Set for August Showdown
Rising phenom Thad Jean (10-0) kept his unbeaten record intact in a gritty battle against veteran Jason Jackson (19-6). The main event was a back-and-forth affair, beginning with Jean dropping Jackson early. However, Jackson clawed his way back into the fight with smart grappling and clinch work. Ultimately, Jean’s precision striking and late takedown defense edged out the split decision, sending him to the welterweight final where he’ll face Jackson’s Sanford MMA teammate and former Bellator titleholder, Logan Storley (18-3).
Storley showcased vintage dominance earlier in the evening with a one-sided victory over Japan’s Masayuki Kikuiri (11-3-1). Nearly finishing the bout with vicious ground-and-pound in the opening round, Storley controlled every phase of the fight en route to a unanimous decision.
Featherweight Final: Pinedo and Khaybulaev to Battle in Clash of PFL Champions
In the co-main event, Jesus Pinedo (25-6-1) once again proved he has Gabriel Braga’s number. Meeting for the third time, Pinedo delivered a repeat performance reminiscent of their 2023 clash—landing a flush right hand that floored Braga before sealing the finish with follow-up strikes. The Peruvian standout, known as “El Mudo,” is now one win away from back-to-back PFL titles.
Awaiting him in the 145-pound championship is 2021 tournament winner Movlid Khaybulaev (23-0-1). Kicking off the night’s main card, Khaybulaev used relentless pressure and elite wrestling to neutralize South Korea’s Taekyun Kim (11-2). While not a flashy performance, it was a masterclass in control and consistency, extending the Russian’s undefeated streak to 23 and earning him a return trip to the finals.
What’s Next
With the championship picture now locked in, the 2025 PFL World Finals promise two compelling matchups between proven veterans and rising stars. Jean and Storley’s styles are set to clash in a wrestler-versus-striker showdown, while Pinedo vs. Khaybulaev offers a battle between two of the featherweight division’s most dangerous finishers.
2025 PFL World Tournament 5: Semifinals Main Card Results:
Thad Jean (10-0) def. Jason Jackson (19-6) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Jesus Pinedo (25-6-1) def. Gabriel Braga (16-3) via KO (punches) at 1:16 of round one
Logan Storley (18-3) def. Masayuki Kikuiri (11-3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-28)
Movlid Khaybulaev (23-0-1) def. Taekyun Kim (11-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2025 PFL World Tournament 5: Semifinals Early Card Results:
Adam Borics (20-3) def. Jeremy Kennedy (19-7) via majority decision (29-28, 28-28, 29-28)
Magomed Umalatov (18-1) def. Anthony Ivy (15-8) via KO (punch) at 2:28 of round one
Sarek Shields (7-2) def. Joseph Luciano (10-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Kendly St. Louis (11-2) def. Mukhamed Berkhamov (17-4) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:21 of round three
Alexei Pergande (6-0) def. Mike Bardsley (5-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jason Danner (3-0) def. Nathan Gilmore (4-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
