Jean’s Early Knockdown Helped Push Him Past Jackson
Thad Jean defeated Jason Jackson by split decision in the PFL World Tournament semifinals on June 12, 2025. The welterweight main event at Nashville Municipal Auditorium produced two winning cards for Jean and a narrow dissenting score for Jackson.
A jab supplied the opening statement
Jean knocked Jackson down with a sharp jab during the first round. Jackson recovered and tried to attack an arm from his guard before Jean disengaged and brought the contest back to the feet.
The former Bellator champion answered with takedowns and fence pressure. Jean repeatedly worked upright, preventing the opening knockdown from becoming the only meaningful development in a closely contested round.
Wrestling and striking pulled the fight in different directions
Jackson continued changing levels in the second, while Jean defended, reversed clinch positions and landed short punches and knees. Their exchanges kept moving between open space and battles against the cage.
The third remained competitive. Both men landed combinations, and Jackson continued pursuing takedowns while Jean looked to answer with strikes and a late guillotine attempt.
A divided verdict completed the bracket
The official totals were 30–27 and 29–28 for Jean, with the remaining judge favoring Jackson 29–28. The result advanced Jean to the welterweight final against Logan Storley.
Storley had earned his place earlier that night by defeating Masayuki Kikuiri. Jean’s victory therefore completed a final pairing between the unbeaten rising contender and an established former interim Bellator champion after fifteen demanding semifinal minutes.
Sources
- PFL: knockdown, takedowns, clinch exchanges and split decision
- PFL: June 12 Nashville venue and completed final pairing
- MMA Fighting: semifinal result and Storley’s Bellator background
