PFL welterweight champion Thad Jean visits Little Haiti to celebrate victory

One week after his victory tour stop in South Florida, Thad Jean is still riding high. 

The Haitian American community in Miami celebrated the Professional Fighters League welterweight champion at Sounds of Little Haiti on Sept. 19, where fans welcomed him with cheers, photo ops and flexed muscles.

The monthly cultural event, held every third Friday, featured live music, Haitian comfort food from vendors and a multigenerational crowd.

Jean said he was touched by the community’s support. He has made it his mission to uplift the Haitian community, using his victories to represent Haiti while also battling internal struggles. 

The fighter has faced struggles outside the cage, including his father’s failing health, Haiti’s ongoing turmoil and the uncertainty of booking his next fight. But his family was by his side at the celebration, with his parents and sister helping place the championship belt on his shoulders.

“I want people to see the positivity that when we put Christ first, together we’re stronger,” Jean told The Haitian Times at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. “We can form a positive light.” 

Jean brought together avid and casual Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans like Mathéo (thematheo_), a rising Haitian artist, rapper, and dancer who was a featured guest performing on stage at Sound of Little Haiti. 

“Amazing! He’s one of the first PFL Champions representing Haiti” Mathéo told The Haitian Times

Along with his trusted right-hand man Gianni (IG: @paiidgz), a competitive dancer, one of two backup dancers who performed with Mathéo on stage.

“While I look at MMA sometimes, Thad is a very good fighter! I’m very proud! He’s a good influence!”

Jean said he wants to extend that light beyond faith, building financial stability by purchasing a home and investing in stocks.

At the same time, he closely follows the crisis in Haiti. “My parents had to come here to seek asylum in the 90s,” Jean said. “One positive is that I was born in America, which put me in the position I am now. We still have family in Haiti, still being affected by everything going on there. But change will come.”

Jean’s father, sporting a broad smile and a thick mustache reminiscent of the Pringles logo, showed little sign of illness as he moved around the venue.

“My dad had his kidney replaced last year, so he has one good functioning kidney,” said Jean.“We’re blessed to be alive to be able to do things like this. You know, he raised us, him and my mother.” 

Jean said he was grateful his father was able to attend the celebration. He added that his extended family in Haiti also supports his career, promoting his fights in their communities, despite mixed martial arts remaining taboo in the country.

“I really do want to go to Haiti, not now, but very soon,” Jean said. Turning to his mother, he asked which city he should visit: Port-de-Paix, Port-au-Prince, or Jean-Rabel. She replied: “Port-de-Paix.”

“I’m excited! I want to do it all,enjoy it all, I want to experience it all!” Jean said.

Looking ahead, Jean said he is eager for a rematch with Jason Jackson, whom he defeated on June 12 in the PFL welterweight semi-finals. 

“I would love to really turn that win into an exclamation mark that I destroyed you and I can destroy you anytime,” Jean said.

Jean said he remains ready for bigger fights, whether a championship series or a showdown with Cédric “Le Meilleur” Doumbé.

“I’m still young, I still want to go even higher,” Jean said. “I’ve been saying it and saying it again. I want to take over that whole area, that whole spot.” 

Jean will be competing in the upcoming MMA Champions Series, details of which are yet to be announced. He said he remains grateful for the opportunity to shine for his parents, community and Haitian heritage.

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