Undeated breakout star Thad Jean headlined PFL Washington on Saturday, though not in the fight he was originally expecting.
Earlier this year, Ramazan Kuramagomedov had claimed welterweight gold against Shamil Musaev, but after Kuramagomedov retired immediately after the fight, Musaev was granted a second shot at gold. That was to have come against Jean at PFL Washington on Saturday, but complications with Musaev’s weight cut took him out of the right.
As a result, Ernesto Rodriguez stepped into the title fight on short notice, despite having just a single fight under the PFL banner. Timing is everything in MMA, and Rodriguez had a chance to show that on Saturday.
Light heavyweights Tyson Pedro and Rafael Xavier served as the night’s co-headliner.
Where to Watch PFL Washington
Saturday, July 25, 2026 found the Professional Fighters League setting up shop at the CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. The card airs live on ESPN and the ESPN App, with prelims starting at 8PM ET, 5PM ET and the main card expected to kick off at 10ET/7PT. Full results from the event can be found below.
PFL Washington: Jean vs. Rodriguez Results
Main Card
Thad Jean def. Ernesto Rodriguez by TKO, Round 3, 2:44 – for the vacant PFL welterweight championship
Rafael Xavier def. Tyson Pedro by TKO, Round 1, 4:59
Rasul Magomedov def. Sullivan Cauley by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Eliezer Kubanza def. Chris Mixan by submission (D’arce choke), Round 2, 2:34
Preliminary Card
Bryce Meredith def. Michael Cyr by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Nkosi Ndebele def. Brandon Davis by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Coby Bradford def. Chad Yard by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 1:57
Noah Hermosillo def. Jacob Pais by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
