Nashville, TN — In an impressive display of skill, welterweight Logan Storley secured a spot in the PFL World Tournament final during the recent event in Nashville. He achieved this with a unanimous decision victory over Masayuki Kikuiri on Thursday night. This win moves Storley’s professional record to 18 wins and 3 losses.
Looking ahead, Storley will face Thad Jean in the upcoming final. Although he had hoped for teammate Jason Jackson to win the bout against Jean, Jean ultimately emerged victorious by a split decision later that evening. This matchup is set to take place in just seven weeks.
Following his fight, Storley spoke with several media outlets, including Cageside Press, about the quick turnaround. He noted, “It’s not a long time, and I’ve been in these situations before with wrestling, high-level tournaments, doing a season. I know how to do it, and I have the best team in the world.” His confidence indicates preparation and a strong support system as he embarks on this challenging schedule.
Storley views the tight timeline of the PFL World Tournament as advantageous. He explained, “It’s nice when you get to stay active, because you’ve done Fight Week before the walk. Everything gets a little more comfortable. That was my what, 21st fight? When you take long breaks, it always sucks to go back to it. When you get to stay active, I think it just helps build that momentum.” His experience working through rigorous seasons in wrestling serves him well as he engages in back-to-back fights.
This year's PFL World Tournament has sparked discussions regarding its altered prize structure. Previously, fighters received one million dollars for winning the tournament cumulatively throughout the season. Now, the format has shifted to a single-elimination style, offering the fighters their regular purse along with a $500,000 bonus for winning the tournament. Critics suggest this pay cut reflects financial struggles within the PFL.
However, Storley remains unfazed by the financial changes. “For me, this year we spent a lot of time on being grateful for the opportunity to compete, not about the money,” he expressed. Storley emphasized that many individuals make significant sums of money in their lives, but only a select few have the privilege of competing at the highest level in professional combat sports. “I’m pretty grateful to get to do that, and get to do it with some of my best friends in my corner,” he added, focusing on the joy of competition rather than monetary rewards.
As the PFL World Tournament continues to unfold, Logan Storley stands ready for his next challenge against Thad Jean. Fans can expect an exciting matchup as both fighters aim to claim victory and demonstrate their skills on a prominent platform. Stay tuned for the full post-fight media appearance by Logan Storley to gain more insights into his journey and preparation for the final.
