PFL welterweight contender Thad Jean, who was initially an alternate for the world tournament, is now just two wins away from claiming the $500,000 grand prize.
Jean, an undefeated prospect, received his opportunity to compete in this year`s welterweight tournament after Florim Zendeli, the 2024 PFL Europe champion, withdrew. Jean stepped in to face Mukhamed Berkhamov from Russia.
Jean capitalized on this chance, securing a spectacular knockout victory over Berkhamov, rendering him unconscious. He will now proceed to the next stage of the tournament to fight former Bellator champion Jason Jackson.
Thad Jean`s Knockout of Mukhamed Berkhamov Sends Him to Tournament Semi-Finals
Two years after securing a PFL contract on the Challenger Series in Orlando, Thad Jean made a triumphant return to the same venue last night on the main stage. In under five minutes, he delivered a devastating knockout, electrifying his enthusiastic fanbase.
Hailing from Florida, Jean clearly had strong crowd support at Universal Studios. He delighted his fans by executing a flawless combination, culminating in a powerful left hook that knocked out his opponent and propelled him into the tournament`s semi-finals.
“He has a lot of experience, but I do not care about the amount of fights you have in this cage,” Jean told Dan Hardy in a post-fight interview. “It doesn`t matter who you are, your name, or your record. It doesn’t matter if you’re the main event or the opening fight.”
“When you step into the cage with ‘The Silverback’ Thad Jean, I am going to win. I’m going to knock you out, I’m going to do what is necessary… There are no limits, absolutely no limits, all glory to Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. I told my coach I would make it spectacular, and was it spectacular?”
Jason Jackson Sets Up Showdown with Thad Jean After Second Round Finish
On the other side of the bracket, Jason Jackson debuted in the PFL tournament against fellow former Bellator champion Andrey Koreshkov. After a challenging first round, Jackson secured a rare submission victory in the second round.
Following their respective fights, Jackson and Jean faced off in the Smart Cage. Jackson stated, “He thinks he’s a silverback, but listen, I’m a killer, remember that, you all better know that.”
Tensions were high between the two fighters as they faced off before the Orlando crowd. Jackson appeared agitated by something said, pushing Jean after a verbal exchange.
