Thad Jean envisions a significant future in the PFL. His immediate challenge is his most difficult yet: a main event clash against former Bellator welterweight champion Jason Jackson at PFL Nashville on Thursday. This fight is a semifinal bout in the division`s World Tournament. The victor will proceed to the finals, competing for the $500,000 grand prize and a position as a top contender.
Nicknamed “The Silverback,” Jean entered the tournament as an alternate. He made an immediate impact when needed, securing a first-round knockout victory over Mukhamed Berkhamov. Jean intends to continue his winning streak and believes that defeating Jackson will elevate him to the status of PFL figureheads like Dakota Ditcheva and Paul Hughes.
“We are undoubtedly the future of our company,” Jean stated. “Paul Hughes, Dakota, and I – they began in the European scene, specifically in England. They are exceptional; observe their achievements for PFL Europe. Dakota Ditcheva also delivered spectacular performances here [in the US]. It wasn`t just talk; she came here and finished her opponents. She stopped every adversary, which is remarkable. I aim for the same level of success for Thad Jean.”
Jean holds an undefeated professional record and is 5-0 within the PFL. The 26-year-old started his PFL journey through the promotion`s Challenger Series and has since developed into one of its most thrilling prospects.
Jean recognizes the potential outcomes of defeating Jackson, though he already considers himself among the world`s top welterweights. “It will happen for me, and I am top 15 in the world,” Jean asserted. “I believe I`m top 5. That`s my perspective. I simply haven`t had the chance to demonstrate it yet. This fight is that opportunity. People who aren`t aware might perceive me as arrogant or think I`m not putting in the effort. I`m doing everything necessary. I am consistently engaged in tough training sessions. You just haven`t witnessed it.”
“You cannot call me ignorant,” he continued. “You haven`t seen anything. The very idea that you can label me arrogant is arrogance itself, because you don`t know me. When I beat Jason Jackson, that will place me in the top 10, won`t it? Everyone he has defeated, I have also defeated. So I will claim that spot, and then defeat whoever else is necessary to reach No. 1. I must be the head, not the tail, and I need to overcome everyone ahead of me. Jason Jackson is the next person I must defeat. I give him full credit and respect.”
“Let`s be honest,” Jean added. “Because it`s against Jason Jackson, this is the main event. It`s a seasoned veteran, Jason Jackson, against the rising star, Thad `The Silverback` Jean. When these two forces collide, Thad will emerge victorious. Then, Thad will seize that momentum and propel this trajectory upwards, breaking limits and reaching for the sky. That`s the outcome.”
Facing Jackson is a significant challenge. Jackson secured his opening-round win in April via a second-round submission against former Bellator champion Andrey Koreshkov. Jackson boasts a strong record of 9-1 in his last 10 fights. His single recent loss occurred when he lost the Bellator title to Ramazan Kuramagomedov at a Bellator Champions Series event in June 2024.
Jean acknowledges the difficulty of the challenge but is motivated by the potential rewards.
“Thad Jean is the face of the PFL, and that`s the reality,” Jean declared. “By the end of this year, well before this time next year, I will have become the face of this organization. In fact, I`ll be more specific: by December of this year, Thad Jean will be the face of the PFL. I state that with complete sincerity and conviction.”
“People will recognize that Thad Jean possesses that `it` factor, and that`s what draws viewers,” he concluded. “Whether they tune in hoping to see that `it` factor fail or to see me succeed, both outcomes are beneficial. Views are always great, regardless; it makes no difference to me. Just tune in and watch.”
Murray Blackwood