Fri Aug 01 21:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the PFL Finals preview information:

**PFL Finals Kick Off Tournament’s New Format in Atlantic City**

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to crown champions in its 2025 season, culminating in a series of final fights kicking off Friday night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. This year marks a shift for the promotion, as it concludes its season with three August fight cards, featuring finals in its eight weight classes, starting with Friday’s event in Atlantic City, New Jersey (9 p.m. ET on ESPN; prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+).

The main event will see undefeated welterweight Thad Jean face off against Logan Storley. The co-main event features a clash of former PFL featherweight champions, Movlid Khaybulaev (2021) and Jesus Pinedo (2023).

For the first time, the PFL has utilized a single-elimination tournament format to reach the finals. In past seasons, the title bouts capped off playoffs determined by regular-season standings.

**Welterweight Showdown: Jean vs. Storley**

Thad Jean secured his spot in the finals with wins over Mukhamed Berkhamov and Jason Jackson. Logan Storley earned his place by defeating Joseph Luciano and Masayuki Kikuiri. A key storyline revolves around Jean’s victory over Jackson, a former Bellator champion and Storley’s teammate. Storley himself had a strong Bellator career, including wins over current UFC fighters Joaquin Buckley and Michael “Venom” Page, securing an interim welterweight title in the process.

Jean confidently stated his intentions, “I’m not here to take part; we’re here to take over. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.” Storley, a four-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, emphasized his experience and grit, stating, “I’ve competed a lot against the best guys in the world.”

**Featherweight Frenzy: Khaybulaev vs. Pinedo**

Movlid Khaybulaev reached the finals with wins over Jeremy Kennedy and Tae Kyun Kim. Jesus Pinedo earned his place with impressive first-round TKO victories over Adam Borics and Gabriel Braga.

Pinedo declared, “I came for the money, the belt and to take his zero.” Khaybulaev, who will have Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, responded, “If [Pinedo] wants to have a war, we’re going to have it. That puts more fire into me.”

A notable factor is both fighters’ inactivity in 2024. Khaybulaev’s absence stretched nearly two years, while Pinedo recovered from a back injury.

**What to Watch For**

The Jean vs. Storley fight is a classic striker-versus-wrestler match-up. Can Storley impose his wrestling, or will Jean’s striking keep him at bay?

In the co-main event, Pinedo’s early knockout power is a major threat. If Khaybulaev can weather the initial storm and extend the fight beyond the second round, his experience and decision-winning ability could give him the edge.

**Upcoming Events**

The PFL season will continue with events on August 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and August 21 in Hollywood, Florida.

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