The Professional Fighters League returns to the US capital on Saturday, July 25 for PFL Washington DC, headlined by a welterweight title fight between undefeated champion Thad Jean and short-notice challenger Ernesto Rodriguez.
The card was originally set to see Jean defend against 18–1 Russian contender Shamil Musaev, but Musaev withdrew the day before weigh-ins with weight-cut complications. Cuba’s Rodriguez has stepped up from a prelim slot to fill the main event on less than a week’s notice.
How to watch PFL Washington DC
The prelims stream live on the ESPN app from 8pm ET, followed by the main card live on ESPN from 10pm ET. UK viewers can catch the show overnight via ESPN’s international platforms and the PFL’s own streaming portal.
Rodriguez steps in for the title shot of a lifetime
Jean (11-0) rides a perfect record into the fight after winning the PFL welterweight tournament last year. Rodriguez (11-1) enters on the back of a decision win over Masayuki Kikuiri in his promotional debut this past March, and now has the chance to jump from a prelim scrap to a world title in the space of 48 hours.
For Jean, it’s a first defence against an opponent he had no time to prepare for specifically. For Rodriguez, it’s the kind of opportunity most PFL debutants don’t see for a full season.
Full PFL Washington DC fight card
Main card (ESPN, 10pm ET):
- Thad Jean vs Ernesto Rodriguez — Welterweight title
- Tyson Pedro vs Rafael Xavier
- Sullivan Cauley vs Rasul Magomedov
- Eliezer Kubanza vs Chris Mixan
Prelims (ESPN app, 8pm ET):
- Michael Cyr vs Bryce Meredith
- Brandon Davis vs Nkosi Ndebele
- Coby Bradford vs Chad Yard
- Noah Hermosillo vs Jacob Pais
Card current as of July 23, 2026.
