Thad Jean is the new PFL welterweight champion, but it didn't come easy.
In the main event of PFL Washington at CareFirst Arena in Washington DC, Jean (12-0) took on Ernesto Rodriguez for the vacant welterweight title. Jean was originally scheduled to face Shamil Musaev, who withdrew from the bout during fight week due to weight cut complications. Rodriguez (11-2) came into fight week ready to face Aaron McKenzie on the prelims, but found himself elevated to the main event to fight for the vacant title. Both headliners were prepared for different opponents, and the result of the changes was fireworks.
The first round was competitive, with Rodriguez proving he would fight to win as a massive underdog. Jean took the opening frame, but things drastically
changed in Round 2 when Rodriguez put together damaging punches to drop Jean and put him in a world of trouble. Rodriguez swarmed for a finish, but Jean managed to keep himself in the fight, and even ended the round in full mount.
In what would be the final round, Rodriguez brought more pain, but Jean was able to slip his way out of a bad position, ending up on Rodriguez's back. He postured up from there and rained down ground and pound until referee Mario Yamasaki called a stop to the fight, crowning Jean as the new PFL welterweight champ.
THAD JEAN GAVE 110% 🔋
— PFL (@PFLMMA) July 26, 2026
WHAT A BATTLE#PFLDC | Main Card LIVE NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/iTAj3uzkjn
Jean now has PFL gold, and keeps his undefeated record intact after a few serious scares. Jean was signed to the PFL after an appearance on PFL Challenger Series in 2023, and has since gone 7-0 in the promotion with four stoppages.
Thad Jean had to dig deep.
— PFL (@PFLMMA) July 26, 2026
That's the price to pay to become the World Champion 🏆#PFLDC pic.twitter.com/YlrR44D5AI
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL Washington results: Thad Jean overcomes dire moments to win vacant title
