Jesus Pinedo Looking for Fifth Consecutive KO in PFL Semifinal on Thursday

His nickname may mean “the mute,” but Jesus Pinedo has been the one silencing his competition. It is a streak he means to keep alive this week in Nashville.

Since parting ways with the Ultimate Fighting Championship six years ago, the 28-year-old Peruvian has gone 8-1 with all eight wins coming by knockout. The last four of those have taken place in the Professional Fighters League cage, including a vicious first-round knockout of former Bellator MMA featherweight contender Adam Borics in the 2025 PFL season opener two months ago.

“It was a quick one,” Pinedo said. “In all my fights, I always step into the cage with confidence. I always have confidence in the work I do with my team, and the positive results show that. And now I’m just waiting for the next fight.”

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the Semifinals of the PFL World Tournament LIVE Thursday, June 12 at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+

Pinedo’s lone setback since 2019, a split decision loss to Gabriel Braga in April 2023, he already avenged by TKO in that season’s featherweight final. Now, at 2025 PFL World Tournament 5: Semifinals on Thursday, the rubber match offers “El Mudo” the chance to claim definitive victory in their rivalry—and stamp his own ticket to a second finals match in three years. As he prepared to face his now-familiar foe, Pinedo spoke to Sherdog about his opponent and his training.

“I suppose he’s improved,” Pinedo said of the 27-year-old Brazilian. “But all of us fighters improve as time goes by. He's a young fighter. He's a little younger than me. I guess he's improved in all areas, but so have I. It’s going to be a very entertaining bout for everyone in attendance.”

Preparation for the semifinal has taken place in his native Peru, where he has proudly planted his professional flag. There, under the tutelage of a pioneer in South American MMA, he enjoys the natural advantages of living in one of the most mountainous nations on Earth.

“Well, I live in Lima, Peru,” he said. “Now I'm training in Peru too, but in a province very far from Lima. I'm training at around 2,400 meters [2,335 meters (7,661 ft)] above sea level here in Arequipa. Nearly my entire team and coaches have moved here. My main coach is Ivan Iberico. My training partners are the same as always, for all my life.”

That preparation—and the knockout streak—leave Pinedo sanguine about his chances this Thursday: “I feel like it's going to be a great fight, but I'll win. I will be the winner. Gabriel Braga is a good rival, but I feel my style is difficult for him. I'm going to knock him out.”