PFL DC event, title tilt restructured after multiple fight-week scratches

The PFL's Washington, D.C. card has undergone significant restructuring following multiple fighter withdrawals during fight week. Shamil Musaev (18-1-1) was forced to withdraw from his welterweight title bout against Thad Jean (10-0) due to complications from his weight cut. Ernesto Rodriguez (11-1), originally scheduled to face Aaron McKenzie, stepped in on short notice to challenge Jean for the vacant PFL welterweight championship on July 25 at the CareFirst Arena.

The cancellations extend beyond the main event. Several PFL athletes—Magomed Umalatov, Jack Cartwright, Denis Goltsov, Bruno Cappelozza, and Mando Gutierrez—were removed from the card for various reasons. Cappelozza's withdrawal stemmed from visa issues; his bout against Valentin Moldavsky has been rescheduled to PFL Charlotte in August.

Jean enters the title fight as the 2025 PFL tournament champion, fresh off wins against Mukhamed Berkhamov (KO), Jason Jackson, and Logan Storley that earned him a $500,000 prize and this championship opportunity. The "Silverback" will become the first U.S.-born PFL welterweight champion if victorious, excluding past tournament winners. Rodriguez, fighting in his second PFL appearance, won his debut in March via majority decision against Masayuki Kikuiri despite a disputed scoring situation.