Thad Jean Claims PFL Welterweight Title in Grueling Battle
Thad Jean walked away as the new PFL welterweight champion Saturday night but he endured anything but an easy night at the office in the PFL D.C. main event. Late-notice replacement Ernesto Rodriguez accepted the title fight on 48-hours’ notice after Shamil Musaev dropped off the card due to weight-cutting issues and the Cuban-born fighter gave Jean everything he could handle across three rounds.
Rodriguez nearly put Jean away in the second round after cracking him with a right hand that dropped the champion to the canvas and taking his back to threaten with submissions. Jean survived the onslaught and nearly locked up an arm-triangle choke of his own before the bell sounded. Both men looked exhausted heading into the final frame but Rodriguez continued throwing bombs until Jean countered and secured top position.
From mount Jean unloaded punches and short nasty elbows that forced the referee to step in and rescue Rodriguez at the 2:44 mark of round three. “I knew I would be hearing my name called as champion but I do have to say all glory to god” Jean said afterward. “What an opponent. He really brought it to me. He came through like a dog.”
Champion Eyes Showdown with Musaev
Jean made clear his intentions moving forward calling out Musaev if the original title challenger gets healthy again to cement himself as the true champion. Rodriguez may have lost but his incredible effort on short notice established him as a legitimate contender who could gun for a rematch down the road.