PFL Washington D.C. loses one half of main event, replacement stepping into title fight - MMA Fighting

What the report says

MMA Fighting reports that the PFL’s Washington, D.C., event has a new main event after Shamil Musaev was removed from Saturday’s scheduled welterweight title fight against Thad Jean. The outlet said PFL officials confirmed the change Thursday, following an initial report by MMA Junkie.

According to MMA Fighting, PFL CEO John Martin said Musaev was dealing with weight-cutting issues. Ernesto Rodriguez, an 11-1 welterweight prospect who had been booked for the undercard, will move into the headlining spot. Rodriguez will now face Jean with the PFL welterweight title still at stake.

The change keeps Jean in position to pursue a championship after an unbeaten run in the promotion. MMA Fighting notes that Jean is 11-0 and is coming off a standout 2025 welterweight tournament win, putting him in line to add the divisional title to his record if he wins Saturday.

The late shakeup is significant for the PFL because it alters the top bout of a card just days before the event, affecting both competitive preparation and promotional plans. MMA Fighting also noted that combat sports title fights have seen similar fight-week disruptions before, citing past UFC examples involving Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. The PFL Washington, D.C., main card is scheduled to begin Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, with Jean vs. Rodriguez now serving as the headliner.