Thad Jean has vowed to remain undefeated against Ernesto Rodriguez at PFL Washington DC this weekend, live on talkSPORT.
South Florida’s Jean, 11-0 in his professional MMA career, headlines the PFL’s latest card, which comes a week after Johnny Eblen set up a middleweight title unification bout with a brutal knockout at PFL Austin.
Jean is 11 months removed from claiming $500,000 by winning the PFL welterweight world tournament title.
The 28-year-old defeated Logan Storley by unanimous decision but has said his meeting with Cuba’s Rodriguez will not require the judges’ scorecards.
Jean was originally scheduled to fight No. 1-ranked PFL welterweight Shamil Musaev this weekend, but the Russian withdrew from the main event on Thursday due to complications with his weight cut.
Jean vs Rodriguez will still crown the next champion of the PFL’s 170lbs division.
It is part of a well-shaped card that also features a light heavyweight co-main event between former UFC veteran Tyson Pedro and German hard-hitter Rafael Xavier.
PFL Washington DC: Start time
The event takes place on Saturday, July 25, at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC.
However, coverage of the preliminary card will begin at 12.30am BST on Sunday (7.30pm ET, 4.30pm PT, Saturday) for those in the UK and Ireland.
The main card is then scheduled to start at 3am BST (10pm ET, 7pm PT).
PFL Washington DC: How to watch for free
For fans in the UK and Ireland, the entire PFL Washington DC card will be aired live on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube channel for FREE.
ESPN 2 will be your destination for all of the action if based in the US.
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PFL Washington DC: Fight card
Subject to change
Main card
- MAIN EVENT: Thad Jean vs Ernesto Rodriguez – for PFL Welterweight Championship
- Co-main: Tyson Pedro vs Rafael Xavier – Light Heavyweight
- Sullivan Cauley vs Rasul Magomedov – Light Heavyweight
- Eliezer Kubanza vs Chris Mixan – Welterweight
Prelims
- Bryce Meredith vs Michael Cyr – Catchweight (140lbs)
- Nkosi Ndebele vs Brandon Davis – Catchweight (140lbs)
- Ernesto Rodriguez vs Aaron McKenzie – Welterweight
- Chad Yard (pro debut) vs Cody Bradford – Light Heavyweight
- Noah Hermosillo (pro debut) vs Jacob Pais – Featherweight
PFL Washington DC: What has been said?
Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Jean explained why he focuses on ‘constantly levelling up’ to maintain his unbeaten record.
“Every single fight has been my biggest fight and that’s why I’m undefeated, I believe,” Jean said.
“I’ve never ever looked at a fight and I was like, ‘Okay, this is okay. I just got to worry about the next one.’
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“I talk a lot of game about the next one because that’s the show. But the fighter in me says, this guy in front of me wants to take my head off.
“And I’m happy he does because that puts me in a defensive, a hurt animal in a corner. I’m ready to go crazy then. Let’s go. It’s me or you.
“Every fight to this point has been my most important fight and this fight right here, just like every other fight, will be taken into account as my most important fight.
“There is no limit. I am constantly getting stronger. I don’t know if you watch anime, but I’m constantly watching like an anime where there’s a level up.
“There’s a level up. And that’s how I take a life. I’m levelling up. Constantly levelling up because you’re never that good.”
Speaking on his new opponent, Jean said: “I feel disrespected Ernesto thinks he can beat me on short notice by taking this fight.
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“You think I’m a short-notice opponent who you can honestly beat? I have to put you in your place.
“It sounds arrogant, but my arrogance isn’t from a place of trash talk. It’s rooted in something bigger than both of us.
“You will see. I am knocking you out. You don’t have the cardio to go the distance, the technique to go the distance.
“I won’t underestimate you, but I know your game and your level. You will see.”
Rodriguez said: “I have received the greatest opportunity of my life, and I promise you I’m taking that belt home with me on Saturday night.
“This fight camp isn’t what’s prepared me for this shot, it’s been my whole life’s work.
“Thad offers a different style, but the result will be the same. I will look for that victory, that finish, and that’s what will happen in D.C.”
