Thad Jean kept his perfect record intact at PFL 5 in Nashville, Tennessee.
In the main event on Thursday night, Jean faced former Bellator welterweight champion Jason Jackson and emerged victorious via a split decision.
The bout proved to be a closely contested affair. Jean managed to score a knockdown in the first round and dictated significant portions of the action. Jackson, showcasing his veteran experience, battled back throughout the fight, attempting takedowns and mixing in his striking. However, his efforts were not enough to convince the judges. Jean received scorecards of 29-28 and 30-27, while Jackson was favored by one judge with a 29-28 score, resulting in the split decision win for Jean. This crucial victory propels Jean into the welterweight tournament finals scheduled for later this year.
Other Main Card Highlights:
In the co-main event, Jesus Pinedo delivered another spectacular performance, finishing Gabriel Braga with a knockout in their featherweight semifinal rematch. This marked their third meeting overall, following their 2023 PFL Featherweight Championship final bout where Pinedo won by third-round TKO. This time, Pinedo secured the win much faster, ending the fight in just 76 seconds of the first round.
Earlier on the card, Movlid Khaybulaev also punched his ticket to the featherweight finals, earning a unanimous decision victory over Tae Kyun Kim. The featherweight final will now feature a clash between two former PFL champions: Pinedo and Khaybulaev.
Also on the main card, Logan Storley put on a dominant performance against Masayuki Kikuiri to secure his spot in the welterweight tournament finals. As a former Bellator interim champion, Storley now has the opportunity to claim another major title.
PFL 5 Nashville Full Results:
Thad Jean def. Jason Jackson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Jesus Pinedo def. Gabriel Braga via TKO (punches) — 1:16, R1
Logan Storley def. Masayuki Kikuiri via unanimous decision
Movlid Khaybulaev def. Tae Kyun Kim via unanimous decision
Adam Borics def. Jeremy Kennedy via majority decision
Magomed Umalatov def. Anthony Ivy via KO (left hook) — 2:28, R1
Sarek Shields def. Joseph Luciano via unanimous decision
Kendly St. Louis def. Mukhamed Berkhamov via submission (rear-naked choke) — 3:21, R3
Alexei Pergande def. Mike Bardsley via unanimous decision
Jason Danner def. Nathan Gilmore via unanimous decision
