Thad Jean (born July 16, 1998) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he is the current PFL Welterweight World Champion. He won the 2025 PFL Welterweight Tournament. As of April 21, 2026, he is #5 in the PFL men's pound-for-pound rankings.
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Background
Jean was born to Haitian parents in Broward County, Florida.
Professional mixed martial arts career
Early career
Jean started his professional MMA career against Sage Philippe on August 6, 2021, at CES MMA 63, winning the bout submission via rear naked choke. He then faced Thomas Majeski on October 30, winning the bout by TKO via punches in the first round. Jean faced Sarek Shields at LFA 128 on April 8, 2022, again winning the bout by TKO via punches. In his last bout before PFL, he face Georgie Medina at a Combate Global event on September 30, winning the bout by unanimous decision.
Professional Fighters League
Jean faced Eric Alequin at PFL Challenger Series 9 on 27 January 2023. He won the bout by unanimous decision, securing a PFL contract.
Jean faced Ali Omar at PFL 7 on August 4, 2023. He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round via punches.
Jean faced Romain Debienne at PFL 3 on April 19, 2024. He won the fight by knockout via punches in the first round.
Jean faced Chris Brown on August 16, 2024, at PFL 8. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
In the opening round 2025 PFL Welterweight Tournament, Jean faced Mukhamed Berkhamov on April 3, 2025, at PFL 1. He won the bout in the first round of the fight by knockout via punches.
In the semifinals, Jean faced Jason Jackson at PFL 5 on June 12, 2025. He won the back-and-forth bout via split decision.
In the finals, Jean faced Logan Storley on August 1, 2025, at PFL 8. He won the bout by unanimous decision to win the tournament.
Jean was scheduled to face Shamil Musaev for the vacant PFL Welterweight Championship on July 25, 2026, at PFL Washington DC. However, two days before the event, Musaev withdrew from the bout due to weight cut complications and was replaced by Ernesto Rodriguez. Jean won the title via technical knockout in round three.
Championships and accomplishments
Professional Fighters League
PFL Welterweight World Championship(One time, current)
2025 PFL Welterweight Tournament Champion
MMA Fighting
2025 #5 Ranked Breakthrough Fighter of the Year