In one of the best featherweight fights of the year on paper, two former PFL world champions faced off in the PFL World Tournament 145lb final with $500,000 on the line.
Devastating Peruvian striker Jesus Pinedo (25-6-1) ran through his side of the bracket with first round finishes over Adam Borics and Gabriel Braga. Movlid Khaybulaev (23-0-1) is a training partner and close friend to Khabib Nurmagomedov and had never lost in 23 professional fights. The finale was a fight that fans around the world had been eagerly awaiting all season.
In the first round of the PFL Atlantic City co-main event on Friday, Pinedo came out pressing the action, but was quickly taken down by Khaybulaev in the middle of the cage. Movlid sat in top position from full guard, landing short punches to the head of Pinedo. The referee unspeakably stood the fighters up and Pinedo came forward like he was shot out of a cannon. Both fighters stayed in the pocket and threw bombs, tagging each other repeatedly before Khaybulaev landed a takedown. Once on the ground Movlid remained in control until the end of the round landing quality ground and pound on top.
Again in the second round Khaybulaev was able to take the fight to the ground early. While on top Movlid easily transitioned to the back of Pinedo looking for rear naked choke. Again the referee stood the fight up moments after Pinedo escaped to full guard. Once standing, Movlid landed a huge punch that floored Pinedo, knocking him down. Swarming on an injured opponent Movlid tried to finish the fight. Heavy ground and pound landed as the referee was close to stopping the fight. Pinedo was not busted open bleeding from the nose at the end of the round.
The third round took a dramatic turn as Pinedo came out landing a crush left straight in the opening ten seconds. Movlid Khaybulaev was momentarily stumbled but regained his composure landing a well timed takedown. For two minutes Khaybulaev remained in top position in full guard. Short ground and pound punches were starting to add up in the round for Movlid, who was approaching four minutes of ground control this round. Pinedo eventually returned to his feet throwing threatening punches at Movlid until the bell. This was quickly turning into an instant classic between two world class competitors.
Entering the championship rounds Khaybulaev was seemingly ahead in the fight. In the fourth, Movlid was able to find a takedown thirty seconds into the round. Pinedo seemed to be fading, as Movlid remained in top position. With two minutes remaining Pinedo was able to momentarily return to the feet before getting taken down again. Movlid dominated this round and seemed to be ahead by a wide margin.
In the final frame Pinedo marched forward looking to land a desperation shot to turn the tide. Movlid expertly ducked under a punch and landed a takedown against the cage. Quickly transitioning to half guard Movlid snatched up an arm triangle squeezing the life out of Pinedo. The former champion Pinedo tapped ending the contest and crowning Khaybulaev as the 2025 World Tournament Winner. Earning a submission win and his second tournament championship, Khaybulaev is undoubtedly one of the best fighters in the promotion and has $500,000 to show for his win.
In the post fight interview, Movlid Khaybulaev’s coach and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov stated that he was very proud of him, the pair having trained together for 18 years in large part under Khabib’s father. An impressive victory for Movlid, who was unbelievably a betting underdog coming into this fight. After winning a title last time Khaybulaev took an extended layoff from the sport. Maybe the same will happen this time around, but we hope to see him in the 2026 season.
Official Result: Movlid Khaybulaev def. Jesus Pinedo by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 5, 1:17
