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Professional Fighters League welterweight champion Thad Jean puts himself above Ian Machado Garry in discussing the best 170-pounders.

Thad Jean is one of the best welterweights outside of the UFC after winning the Professional Fighters League welterweight title last weekend. Jean, who knocked out Ernesto Rodriguez at PFL DC last weekend, remains unbeaten in his career and could potentially get a UFC offer once his PFL contract concludes.

Jean possesses a unique skill set of speed, power, and finesse that has given his opponents fits inside the cage. But Jean fighting in the PFL makes him relatively unknown to many casual MMA fans.

As UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev prepares for his return against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Jean believes he would be on the verge of a title shot if he were in the UFC today.

Thad Jean puts himself over Ian Machado Garry, others in UFC welterweight division

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Jean was asked how he’d fare against the top UFC welterweights.

“I’m up there. I’m top three. I know people talk trash about the PFL and say, ‘Oh, because you’re in the PFL you’re nothing,” Jean said.

“The level of fighters in the PFL is just as high as the people in the UFC and the reason you don’t understand that, the reason you don’t think so is because you’re a casual. You’re not a true MMA fan. You don’t understand the game as much as you hope or you think you do.

“I’m at the top of the PFL welterweight division,” Jean continued. “I’m the champion, and there’s nothing that would stop me from being the welterweight champion in the UFC.”

Do you think Thad Jean could compete with the top UFC welterweights? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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