PFL World Tournament Opens with Quarterfinals
On April 3, 2025, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) World Tournament kicked off its first round at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, delivering a night of high-stakes action and thrilling finishes. Among the standout performances, Jason Jackson and Jesus Pinedo emerged as frontrunners in their respective divisions, securing their spots in the semifinals with dominant victories.
In the welterweight bracket, Jason Jackson faced former Bellator champion Andrey Koreshkov in a highly anticipated clash. Jackson, known as “The Ass-Kicking Machine,” showcased his well-rounded skill set, combining precise striking with relentless grappling. After controlling the first round, Jackson secured a rear-naked choke in the second round, forcing Koreshkov to tap at the 4:21 mark. The victory not only advanced Jackson to the semifinals but also reaffirmed his status as a top contender in the division.
Meanwhile, in the featherweight division, Jesus Pinedo delivered a statement performance against Hungary’s Adam Borics. Pinedo, the 2023 PFL featherweight champion, displayed his trademark aggression and striking power, overwhelming Borics with a barrage of punches. The referee stepped in to stop the fight at 3:43 of the first round, marking Pinedo’s fourth win in the PFL and securing his place in the semifinals.
The event also featured several other notable matchups. In the welterweight division, Logan Storley defeated Joseph Luciano via unanimous decision, while Thad Jean earned a first-round knockout victory over Mukhamed Berkhamov. In the featherweight bracket, Gabriel Braga submitted Frederik Dupras with a rear-naked choke, and Movlid Khaybulaev edged out Jeremy Kennedy in a split decision.
With the semifinals set to take place later this year, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the PFL World Tournament. The stakes remain high as fighters across multiple divisions continue their quest for championship glory and the coveted $500,000 prize.
(Sources: PFL Official Results, MMA Junkie Highlights, ESPN+ Fight Coverage)
