Mukhamed Berkhamov brings his Combat Sambo expertise to the PFL World Tournament, looking to secure welterweight gold in a major MMA promotion after winning a regional welterweight title. Berkhamov, who defeated Magomed Umalatov in his very first amateur fight, has finishes in 12 of his 17 victories, including 10 via submission. Berkhamov made his PFL debut during the 2024 PFL Playoffs, scoring a split decision over two-time PFL World Champion Ray Cooper III.

 

A previous winner of the PFL Challenger Series, Thad Jean is unbeaten in MMA so far, currently sporting an 8-0 record, including four wins in the PFL. A striking specialist, four of Jean’s career victories have come via first-round knockout. Jean also last fought in a showcase bout during the 2024 PFL Playoffs, scoring a unanimous decision over Chris Brown.

 

Who will come out on top in this first-round welterweight matchup?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Jean. Right hand from Jean. Body shot from Jean misses. Right hand from Jean. Both men are being patient. Berkhamov throws a lead hook. Front kick to the body by Jean. Right hand from Jean. Low kick from Jean. Quick left hand from Berkhamov. Low kick from Berkhamov. The two of them exchange lead shots. Berkhamov goes for a single-leg takedown, but Jean grabs a hold of him and looks for a guillotine! Berkhamov frees himself, but Jean scrambles and gets to his feet quickly. Jean lands a strong right hand.

 

 

Both men land quick shots. Berkhamov with a low kick, and Jean responds in kind. Berkhamov with a slip. Quick kick from Jean. Berkhamov misses the right hand. Both men throw hooks. Berkhamov misses a knee. Inside leg kick sharply lands for Berkhamov. Round kick to the body from Jean. Both men throw jabs. Low kick from Jean. Quick left from Jean. Body kick from Jean. A strong left hand from Jean knocks Berkhamov down! Some ground-and-pound and that does it!

 

 

Thad Jean stays unbeaten and moves on to the semifinals!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Thad Jean def. Mukhamed Berkhamov by KO (Round 1: 4:25) in a welterweight first round fight.

 

Jean improves his flawless record to 9-0.

 

He moves to the semifinals where he will face the winner of Jason Jackson vs. Andrey Koreshkov.