UFL Championship 2025: Michigan Panthers' UFL title hopes scorched by D.C. Defenders in 58-34 loss.

— The Michigan Panthers defeated the DC Defenders badly in their lone matchup of the 2025 UFL regular season.

The Defenders returned the favor in a 58-34 UFL championship game drubbing of the Panthers.

Jordan Ta’amu’s MVP performance fueled the Defenders. DC’s quarterback set a UFL record with 390 passing yards and had five total touchdowns during the contest. That included a 73-yard strike to receiver Ty Scott, in which Ta’amu demonstrated pinpoint accuracy and hit his receiver in stride.

Michigan’s offense had issues dealing with Blake Williams’ attacking defense but nearly broke through late. They were able to execute the UFL’s onside kick alternative, a fourth-and-12 attempt from their 28-yard line, twice and cut DC’s lead to 18 in the later stages of the fourth quarter.

However, Kiondre Thomas broke up a pass intended for Cole Hikutini to break Michigan’s streak. That allowed Defenders receiver Chris Rowland to score on a 19-yard scamper and put the game out of reach.

The victory put a bow on Shannon Harris’ first season as Defenders coach, a job he took on six days before the season opener after Reggie Barlow’s departure to take an opening at Tennessee State.

How much are UFL players paid?

UFL players have a minimum salary of $62,005 for the 2025 season, a 12.7% increase from the previous year. They will also get a small raise for the 2026 campaign, per the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) reached earlier this season.

Below is a look at the league’s minimum salary by year since 2024:

2024: $55,000

2025: $62,005

2026: $64,000

Who won the 2025 UFL championship game?

The Defenders were able to stop the Panthers on a fourth-and-3 with 1:38 left in regulation. Michigan has just one timeout remaining, so DC will be able to run out the clock and win the 2025 UFL championship.

Who won the 2024 UFL championship game?

The Birmingham Stallions won the 2024 UFL championship game. They beat the San Antonio Brahmas 25-0, marking their third consecutive spring-league title.

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