Thad Jean, a PFL welterweight fighter who was recently an alternate for the world tournament, is now only two wins away from claiming a $500,000 prize.
Jean, an undefeated prospect, initially missed a spot in this year`s welterweight tournament. However, he received an opportunity when Florim Zendeli, the 2024 PFL Europe champion, withdrew. This allowed Jean to step in and face Mukhamed Berkhamov from Russia.
Jean seized his chance in the tournament decisively, achieving a highlight-reel knockout that left Berkhamov unconscious. He will now proceed to the next stage to compete against former Bellator champion Jason Jackson.
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Thad Jean`s Knockout of Mukhamed Berkhamov Propels Him to PFL Tournament Semifinals
Two years after securing a PFL contract on the Challenger Series in Orlando, Thad Jean finally competed on the main stage at the same venue last night. In just four and a half minutes, he delivered a powerful knockout, electrifying his enthusiastic fans at ringside.
As a Florida native, Jean clearly had strong local support at Universal Studios. He pleased his fans with a perfect combination, culminating in a fierce left hook that knocked out his opponent and secured his progression to the next round.
“He has more experience, but I don`t care about how many fights you’ve had in this cage,” Jean told Dan Hardy after the fight. “I don’t care who you are, what your name is, or your record. I don’t care 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 I need to do… There’s no limit, absolutely no limit, and 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 Jean’s bracket, Jason Jackson made his PFL tournament debut against fellow former Bellator champion Andrey Koreshkov. After a challenging first round, Jackson secured a rare submission in the second round.
Following their respective fights, Jackson and Jean faced off in the Smart Cage. Jackson, who is Jamaican, stated, “He thinks he’s a silverback, but listen, I’m a killer, remember that, you all better know that.”
Tensions were evident as the two faced off in front of the vocal Orlando crowd. Jackson appeared to be agitated by something said, pushing Jean after a verbal exchange.
