Sports
In wake of Brandon Clarke’s death, donors rally around child literacy organization he supported
Yahoo Sports
MMAPreview
Welterweight title fight to headline PFL D.C. on July 25
TL;DR
Thad Jean will fight Shamil Musaev for the vacant welterweight title at PFL D.C. on July 25. The event will take place at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., and will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Key points
- Thad Jean is the undefeated 2025 tournament winner
- Shamil Musaev is the 2024 PFL champion
- The welterweight title was vacated by Ramazan Kuramagomedov
- Event takes place at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.
- Broadcast live on ESPN
Mentioned in this story
Professional Fighters LeagueCareFirst ArenaWashington, D.C.
Thad JeanShamil MusaevRamazan KuramagomedovPFL D.C.
Thad Jean emerged as one of the PFL's top stars in 2025. | PFL MMA
The vacant welterweight title will be on the line when Professional Fighters League heads to the nation’s capital this summer.
The promotion announced on Wednesday that undefeated 2025 tournament winner Thad Jean will lock horns with 2024 PFL champ Shamil Musaev for the 170-pound strap at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., on July 25. The PFL D.C. main card will be broadcast live on ESPN beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while prelims will air via the ESPN app beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. More bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
According to a release, the welterweight title was vacated when Ramazan Kuramagomedov was stripped of the belt. Kuramagomedov defeated Musaev via unanimous decision to capture the 170-pound championship at PFL Dubai on Feb. 7. Kuramagomedov announced his retirement after the victory, which is apparently why he was stripped.
“Thad Jean did everything that was asked of him. He won the 2025 tournament, beat elite competition, took the hardest path, and now he can finish the job and become PFL welterweight world champion on July 25,” said PFL CEO John Martin in a release. “Standing across from him is Shamil Musaev, one of the most proven and dangerous welterweights in the world, a fighter in pursuit of the one thing he doesn’t have yet: PFL gold. This is a massive world championship fight between two of the best welterweights on the planet, and I can’t wait to bring it to Washington, D.C. live on ESPN.”
'Silverback' vs. 'Silent Assassin'
Q&A
Who is fighting for the welterweight title at PFL D.C. on July 25?
Thad Jean will face Shamil Musaev for the vacant welterweight title.
Why was the welterweight title vacated in the PFL?
The title was vacated when Ramazan Kuramagomedov was stripped of the belt after announcing his retirement.
What time does the PFL D.C. event start on July 25?
The main card will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with prelims starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
