Defenders destroy Panthers to secure 2025 UFL Championship

The DC Defenders defeated the Michigan Panthers 58-34 to take home the 2025 UFL Championship on Saturday night.

Michigan scored touchdowns on its first two possessions of the game, but the Defenders' offense was the story of this contest. DC put up points on its first six drives, including 37 in the first half.

The Panthers cut the lead to 31-19 with less than a minute left in the opening half after a 71-yard touchdown, but the Defenders answered right back with a 70-plus yard score of their own.

DC quarterback Jordan Ta'amu aired it out to wide receiver Ty Scott for a beautiful touchdown to go up 18 points at halftime.

The Defenders continued their onslaught in the second half and effectively ended the contest after a touchdown midway through the third quarter made it 46-19.

Ta'amu completed 21 of 28 passes for 388 yards and four touchdowns while adding one score on the ground. The 27-year-old was named the game MVP after his stellar performance.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins, who won the 2025 UFL regular season MVP award, finished the contest with 338 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

The Defenders and Panthers finished the regular season with 6-4 records.