Undefeated Homegrown PFL Star Thad Jean Zeroes in on Two Potential Targets

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Thad Jean was not expecting the call, but he was prepared for it when Professional Fighters League officials brought him into the PFL 2025 World Tournament in April. First listed as an alternate in the welterweight draw, Jean stepped in and never looked back, winning the competition at 170 pounds and establishing himself as one of the company’s bright young stars.

With a fan club known as “The Silverback Nation” behind him, Jean recorded a first-round knockout against Mukhamed Berkhamov, took split scorecards from ex-Bellator MMA champion Jason Jackson and laid claim to a unanimous decision over former interim Bellator titleholder Logan Storley. In doing so, he has set himself as a top contender in the PFL and a prizefighter committed to the promotion for the long haul.

Even after winning the tournament, Jean has more he wants to accomplish.

“I have a goal,” he told Sherdog.com. “This is not the end goal. It’s part of the goal, but it’s not the end. I can’t let winning this world tournament make me lose sight of the end goal. I’ve been focus-orientated since I was a kid because of my parents, and I won’t leave anything until I finish it all the way through. I’m super grateful for what I have, but I can’t let it get in the way of my future plans.”

Jean understands he now has a bull’s eye on his back, not only as a welterweight tournament winner but as one of the sport’s top young talents. He welcomes the challenge.

“I love it. I love having that target,” Jean said. “I love the target because it makes me hungrier. It makes me want to train harder. I watch anime all the time, and I love seeing a king sitting on his throne, waiting for the next challenger; and that’s me. I don’t want an easy road. I don’t want an easy challenge. I want who people claim is the best, so then when I beat him, I shut up the doubters. I’ve been shutting up the doubters my entire career. Do not say anything about my career until you’ve seen it. Just know when I say something, I mean it. I am the best, and I’m going to prove it. I’m going to continue proving it. I love the championship belt, but it’s not the end goal.”

Sights Set on Shamil Musaev, Cedric Doumbe

When evaluating the options that are in front of him, Jean pointed to 2024 PFL welterweight champion Shamil Musaev and PFL Europe superstar Cedric Doumbe as the most desirable candidates. He also indicated that he would be more than willing to travel overseas to take on Doumbe in his own backyard.

“We’d have more of a turnout with the Silverback Nation in France,” Jean said. “I’ll turn more of his fans into mine. I’m so ready for that. Silverback Nation is on their way. We’ll bring it to Paris, and we’re going to show up and show out in Paris. I’d like to get the fight by December or early next year, but I want that fight.”

Jean showed up for work three times in five months during the PFL 2025 World Tournament, made weight and cleared every obstacle placed in front of him.

“If you’re a professional fighter and you really want to fight in this game, you don’t care when that call comes in,” he said. “As long as I get my fights in and I know when my fights are, I’m ready to go. That’s the grind. That’s the discipline. Of course, you have other things you want to do, but no, it’s time to lock in. This PFL world tournament could be the biggest year of your life. Are you actually going to lock in and become the person you think you are? That’s the choice you have to make.”

Jean embraces the chance to be viewed as one of the faces of the PFL moving forward.

“I’ve been saying it,” he said. “I’ve been ready. I’m ready to take this thing further. I’m ready to take the PFL to their rightful position. It’s going to happen soon enough. We’re all ready.”