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PFL Washington DC Results: Thad Jean Survives Ernesto Rodriguez to Capture Welterweight Gold

PFL Washington DC Results: Thad Jean Survives Ernesto Rodriguez to Capture Welterweight Gold

Thad Jean survives chaos to win the PFL welterweight title

Thad Jean’s road to the vacant welterweight championship changed opponents at the last minute, nearly went off the rails inside the cage and still ended with gold around his waist. Jean stopped Ernesto Rodriguez in the third round of the main event at PFL Washington DC: Jean vs. Musaev, completing a far more difficult night than most expected.

The original main event was supposed to be Musaev vs. Jean, matching the promotion’s last two tournament winners. Shamil Musaev withdrew during fight week, leaving Rodriguez to move out of his scheduled preliminary bout with Aaron McKenzie and accept the championship opportunity on short notice.

Rodriguez did not fight like an emergency replacement. He hurt Jean badly during a frantic exchange and came close to producing one of the biggest title-fight upsets in recent PFL history.

Jean recovered, stayed in the fight and eventually turned the momentum. His pressure and strikes finally overwhelmed Rodriguez at 2:44 of round three, giving the unbeaten 2025 tournament champion the undisputed belt.

Rafael Xavier stops Tyson Pedro at the horn

The co-main event produced an even faster finish. Rafael Xavier pressured Tyson Pedro throughout the opening round before securing the TKO at 4:59. The dramatic ending to Pedro vs. Xavier came with only one second remaining in the first.

Magomedov and Kubanza add important main-card wins

Rasul Magomedov remained undefeated in Cauley vs. Magomedov, earning a unanimous decision over Sullivan Cauley. All three judges scored the light heavyweight contest 29-28.

Eliezer Kubanza returned to the win column with a second-round D’Arce choke against Chris Mixan. The submission in Kubanza vs. Mixan came at 2:34 and reinforced Kubanza’s position as one of the more dangerous developing welterweights on the roster.

PFL Washington DC full results

Main Card

Thad Jean defeated Ernesto Rodriguez by TKO, Round 3, 2:44

Rafael Xavier vs. Tyson Pedro: Xavier won by TKO, Round 1, 4:59

Rasul Magomedov vs. Sullivan Cauley: Magomedov won by unanimous decision, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28

Eliezer Kubanza vs. Chris Mixan: Kubanza won by D’Arce choke, Round 2, 2:34

Preliminary Card

Bryce Meredith vs. Michael Cyr: Meredith won by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27

Nkosi Ndebele vs. Brandon Davis: Ndebele won by unanimous decision, 30-26, 30-26, 30-26

Coby Bradford vs. Chad Yard: Bradford won by rear-naked choke, Round 2, 1:57

Noah Hermosillo vs. Jacob Pais: Hermosillo won by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27

McKenzie vs. Rodriguez did not take place after Rodriguez was moved into the championship main event as Musaev’s late replacement.

PFL Washington DC Results FAQ

Who won the PFL welterweight title in Washington DC?

Thad Jean defeated late replacement Ernesto Rodriguez by third-round TKO to become the new PFL welterweight world champion.

Why did Thad Jean fight Ernesto Rodriguez instead of Shamil Musaev?

Shamil Musaev withdrew during fight week. Rodriguez was removed from his scheduled fight with Aaron McKenzie and accepted the title bout on short notice.

Did Ernesto Rodriguez hurt Thad Jean?

Yes. Rodriguez badly rocked Jean during the main event, but Jean recovered and eventually secured the third-round stoppage.

Who won Tyson Pedro vs Rafael Xavier?

Rafael Xavier defeated Tyson Pedro by TKO at 4:59 of the opening round.

Who won Sullivan Cauley vs Rasul Magomedov?

Rasul Magomedov remained unbeaten by defeating Sullivan Cauley via unanimous decision.

How did Eliezer Kubanza beat Chris Mixan?

Kubanza submitted Mixan with a D’Arce choke at 2:34 of the second round.

What happened to Aaron McKenzie vs Ernesto Rodriguez?

McKenzie vs. Rodriguez was cancelled when Rodriguez moved into the main event to challenge Jean for the vacant welterweight championship.

Where did PFL Washington DC take place?

The event was held at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.

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