The Self Interests of Jesus Pinedo

Jesus Pinedo has been to the Professional Fighters League mountaintop, having claimed the featherweight championship in 2023. It was not an easy climb. He rebounded from a split decision loss to Gabriel Braga by rattling off three consecutive finishes, highlighted by his third-round technical knockout of Braga in their rematch in the featherweight final. Pinedo has not fought since.

When the PFL announced it was moving away from its points-based season format in favor of single-elimination tournaments, it presented Pinedo with a new challenge to conquer. He feels he has an edge in any competition that allows elbows for the duration.

“I don’t think there’s a big change,” Pinedo told Sherdog.com. “I think I’m benefiting from the [new] rule set. I always go in for the knockout. I don’t go in to lose a close decision. With my style and everything about the World Tournament format, since I’m always going for the win, I actually think it benefits me. The rule change of allowing elbows, I think it gives me an advantage. I felt limited in the old rules. I was very reserved, but now with the elbow rule change, if any of these grapplers tries to come in, they’re going to get caught with these elbows.”

Having already become the first Peruvian to win a major MMA championship, Pinedo now focuses more on his own self interests. He views the 2025 PFL World Tournament as his prize.

“When I first entered the PFL season in 2023, my goal was pretty straightforward. I wanted to bring glory to Peru,” Pinedo said. “I wanted to be the first world champion from Peru. Now coming into 2025, I’m doing this for myself. This is a new challenge that was presented my way. I’m fighting to prove that I can have success in whatever opportunity gets brought up into my life.”

Pinedo saw two scheduled bouts get canceled in 2024, and while there was plenty of frustration associated with his inactivity, it also served to boost the excitement surrounding his return.

“The way I always look at setbacks or problems, I always turn the page and look forward, look ahead to the next challenge,” he said. “Right now, I’m fully prepared for 2025 and I’m not necessarily bothered that I missed all of 2024. Things happen for a reason, but I’m ready to get back in there. I want to show people that I’m still in the prime of my career.”

At 28 years of age, Pinedo wants to get back to a place where he draws recognition as one of the top featherweights in the sport. It starts with the 2025 World Tournament, which offers each winner a championship belt and a six-figure payday.

“First and foremost, that $500,000 bonus would be a great addition to the bank account,” Pinedo said. “Overall, it’s a feeling of self-worth, self-satisfaction, [in] just being able to accomplish these certain goals. To win three fights [and] become a champion again, all of this just makes me whole.”