The PFL returned to CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., with a championship main event that delivered plenty of drama. Undefeated Thad Jean captured the vacant PFL Welterweight Championship, stopping late replacement Ernesto Rodriguez by third-round TKO (2:44) after surviving serious adversity earlier in the fight.
Rodriguez, who accepted the bout on just 48 hours’ notice after Shamil Musaev withdrew, nearly finished Jean in the second round with a knockdown. Jean weathered the storm, regained control in the third, and unleashed a relentless barrage of punches and elbows on the ground, forcing the referee to step in. The victory improved Jean’s undefeated record to 12-0 and crowned him the new PFL welterweight champion.
The co-main event ended in spectacular fashion as Rafael Xavier stunned former UFC contender Tyson Pedro with a first-round TKO at 4:59, scoring the finish just one second before the bell.
Main Card Results
Thad Jean def. Ernesto Rodriguez – TKO (Round 3, 2:44) – Won vacant PFL Welterweight Championship
Rafael Xavier def. Tyson Pedro – TKO (Round 1, 4:59)
Rasul Magomedov def. Sullivan Cauley – Unanimous Decision
Eliezer Kubanza def. Chris Mixan – Submission (D’Arce Choke, Round 2)
Preliminary Card Highlights
Bryce Meredith def. Jack Cartwright – Unanimous Decision
Nkosi Ndebele def. Brandon Davis – Unanimous Decision
Coby Bradford def. Chad Yard – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke, Round 2)
Noah Hermosillo def. Jacob Pais – Unanimous Decision
PFL Washington showcased several rising stars, but the night belonged to Thad Jean, who overcame his toughest test yet to leave the nation’s capital as the new welterweight world champion.
