Thad Jean, an undefeated PFL welterweight, faces his toughest challenge yet against former Bellator champion Jason Jackson in the PFL Nashville main event, aiming to advance to the finals and solidify his status as a top contender and future face of the company.
Thad Jean’s got big dreams for his PFL career, and his next fight is his toughest yet. He’s set to face former Bellator champ Jason Jackson in the main event at PFL Nashville on Thursday.
This bout is a semifinal in the division’s World Tournament. The winner? They advance to the finals, eyeing a $500,000 prize and a top contender spot.
Jean, known as “The Silverback,” started the tournament as an alternate but made waves by knocking out Mukhamed Berkhamov in the first round. He’s confident a win over Jackson will catapult him to PFL stardom alongside names like Dakota Ditcheva and Paul Hughes.
“We’re the future of our company, man, no doubt,” Jean told MMA Fighting. He sees himself and others as the new faces of the PFL, drawing parallels to their successes in the European scene.
Undefeated in his pro career and 5-0 in the PFL, Jean began his journey in the promotion’s Challenger Series. Now, he’s one of the most exciting prospects around.
A win over Jackson could solidify Jean’s standing, though he already believes he’s among the world’s best welterweights. “I think I’m top 5 in the world,” he asserts, eager to prove it.
Jean dismisses any notion of arrogance, stating, “You haven’t seen nothing.” Beating Jackson, he believes, will place him in the top 10. He’s determined to conquer anyone in his path.
Facing Jackson, a seasoned veteran, is no small feat. Jackson’s 9-1 in his last 10 bouts, with his only loss after dropping the Bellator title to Ramazan Kuramagomedov.
Jean knows the challenge but also sees the potential glory. “Thad Jean is the face of the PFL company,” he boldly claims, aiming to cement this status by December.
“People will see that Thad Jean has the it factor,” he says, inviting fans to watch him win or lose. Either way, he promises, it’ll be a spectacle.