PFL World Tournament 8 – Jesus Pinedo vs Movlid Khaybulaev

Jesus Pinedo and Movlid Khaybulaev met in the co-main event of PFL World Tournament 8 on August 1, 2025, at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall with the featherweight championship on the line. Pinedo entered the fight as the 2023 champion, having bulldozed his way through the current season with back-to-back first-round stoppages, while Khaybulaev, the 2021 titleholder, came in undefeated and known for using his disciplined wrestling to shut opponents down. It was a classic matchup of explosive power versus relentless control.

Right from the start, Pinedo pushed forward with a busy jab, sharp kicks, and knees from the clinch, trying to set an early pace and keep the fight standing. Khaybulaev stayed composed under pressure and timed his level changes perfectly, dragging the fight into his world by scoring takedowns and making Pinedo carry his weight on the mat. The Russian’s steady approach began to slow Pinedo’s tempo as the first round wore on.

Through the middle rounds, Pinedo kept looking for a knockout opening, but Khaybulaev’s constant clinch work, smothering top control, and positional awareness made it difficult for him to create space. Whenever Pinedo got back to his feet, Khaybulaev would close the distance and force him to defend takedowns again, steadily wearing him down. The more the fight went on, the more it became clear that Pinedo’s explosiveness was being nullified by Khaybulaev’s methodical strategy.

After five rounds, the judges awarded Movlid Khaybulaev the unanimous decision, earning him the 2025 PFL Featherweight Championship and keeping his unbeaten record intact. Pinedo, who had knocked out his previous two opponents in the first round, found himself unable to land the decisive blow he was searching for. Khaybulaev’s victory added a second PFL title to his resume and reinforced his reputation as one of the most calculated and dominant fighters in the division.