Ernesto Rodriguez came into PFL Washington fight week ready to compete on the prelims, but now, he's fighting for the welterweight title.
Thursday, one half of the original main event, Shamil Musaev, pulled out of the vacant welterweight title bout against Thad Jean. PFL quickly scrambled to find a new opponent for Jean, and Rodriguez stepped in to create a new main event for the card taking place at CareFirst Arena in Washington DC. Musaev (20-1-1) withdrew due to weight cut complications.
Rodriguez (11-1) was originally scheduled to face Aaron McKenzie (12-2-1) on the prelims.
"I feel like this is the best opportunity of my entire career, and if anybody has the skills to come out victory on Saturday night, that's me," Rodriguez said in a PFL
interview.
Rodriguez has watched Jean fight before, so he's familiar with his game. Even though this situation popped up at the last minute, he's confident in his ability to not only compete against Jean but also come away with the gold.
"I've watched him live before, and then as soon as we got the news, me and my coach, we started watching his videos, some of his weaknesses, some of the things that he does OK, and I'm ready. I'm prepared for it."
PFL Event Model Sophia checks in with Ernesto Rodriguez after the new #PFLDC Main Event news
— PFL (@PFLMMA) July 24, 2026
The PFL Welterweight World Title will be on the line between Thad Jean and Ernesto Rodriguez this Saturday, July 25th!#PFLDC | Saturday, July 25th | 📺Prelims 8PM EST on the ESPN App… pic.twitter.com/hWC4ZKhZ4G
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL Washington's Ernesto Rodriguez reacts to sudden main event bump
