Nashville, TN — Jesus Pinedo is set to compete in another Professional Fighters League (PFL) tournament final, where he will face former featherweight champion Movlid Khaybulaev later this summer. Pinedo aims to secure victory in the PFL World Tournament after already winning the league’s 2023 season.
To reach the finals, Pinedo, with a record of 25 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, secured a decisive victory over rival Gabriel Braga in the crucial third match of their rivalry. Pinedo ended the fight with a TKO, finishing strong within just one minute of the opening round. This impressive performance showcases his skills and determination.
After his victory at PFL Nashville, Pinedo spoke to the media, expressing his satisfaction with the quick finish. "It’s what we expected," he said. "We expected a fast finish, and that’s what we got. It’s good to see our labor, being able to showcase it in front of all these people." This reflects Pinedo's confidence and his preparation for this pivotal moment in his career.
When questioned about leaving the rivalry with Braga behind, Pinedo made it clear that he was focused on the future. He reiterated his stance from Fight Week, stating that he does not acknowledge his prior 2023 regular season loss to Braga. "It’s been 3-0. I won the first fight, I’m convinced about that, and now he’s in the past. Now my next target is Movlid, and that’s our next fight," he emphasized.
Pinedo has been eyeing Khaybulaev, a Dagestani fighter known for his wrestling skills, since the start of the tournament. "When the tournament started, that was the guy that I wanted to fight," Pinedo said. He remains confident in his training, noting that it does not change regardless of the opponent. "It’s going to be MMA training whether it’s him, whether it’s Braga. We’re going to be striking, jiu-jitsu, wrestling; nothing changes for us," he added. This shows Pinedo's readiness and adaptability as he prepares for the title fight.
The 2023 PFL champion also discussed the new tournament format. This year marks a shift from the previous structure of a regular season and points accumulation to a single-elimination grand prix format. Pinedo has successfully won both of his fights in this new setup, both by finishes.
"For me, the format doesn’t really change much," he said. "I’ve finished every fight in the PFL except my first one. My goal is always to finish, and to be honest, nothing really changed with the new format." His statement underscores his commitment to finishing fights and competing at a high level.
Fans can look forward to the exciting showdown between Jesus Pinedo and Movlid Khaybulaev as both fighters vie for the prestigious title in the PFL World Tournament. This matchup promises to be a thrilling event in combat sports, showcasing the talents of two skilled athletes. Be sure to stay updated for more information as the fight date approaches.
