St. Louis will host the UFL Championship game for the second year in a row when the D.C. Defenders (7–4) and the Michigan Panthers (7–4) meet up at 7:00 pm Central time on Saturday night at the Dome at America’s Center (701 Convention Plaza). Though the home team, the St. Louis Battlehawks, are not in the game, the local fans will be treated to watching two powerful offensives go head to head in what should be a fast moving chess match between head coaches Shannon Harris of the Defenders and Mike Nolan of the Panthers. The two teams met back in week six of the regular season, in which the Panthers won at home at Ford Field, 38-14.
Both teams boast dynamic, strong-armed quarterbacks in Bryce Perkins of the Panthers and Jordan Ta’amu of the Defenders. Perkins has been named the UFL MVP for the 2025 season and has a platoon of wide receivers to spread the ball around to, led by Sakai Mariner. Along with the powerful running back Toa Taua, who can pound it up the middle as easily as bounce it outside for big gains, the Panthers offense keep the opposing defenses on their heels and scrambling to make adjustments from play to play.
Jordan Ta’amu threw the most touchdowns this UFL season with 17, and only 4 interceptions. Ta’amu has been an XFL/UFL mainstay since the inaugural 2020 season (when he led the Battlehawks’ offense) and has been a trouble for defenses every year he has played. Other team leaders to watch for are wide receiver Chris Rowland and running back Deon Jackson.
Fans should be treated to a good, evenly matched game between the two teams that probably are the most deserving to be there. The atmosphere in the Dome is loud and exciting, and the concessions will be top notch, making for a great night for families and groups of friends alike.
Before kickoff, fans are invited to join the excitement at Fan Fest, taking place at Baer Plaza — right across the street from The Dome at America’s Center at 810 N. Broadway. The event will feature a photo opportunity with the UFL Championship Trophy. Fans can visit the Sportable booth to test their throwing skills and see how their spiral stacks up against the UFL’s best quarterbacks. Underdog, the official presenting partner of the 2025 UFL Championship Game, will be on-site hosting a tailgate-style lounge space that invites Underdog users to come in and cool-off pre-game while enjoying some giveaway items and a chance to hang out with the UD team, featuring a hydration station with complimentary water and soft drinks, a snack shack with free popcorn and hot dogs, portable misters, games, and blow-up furniture, and a street team showcasing the latest in Underdog fantasy sports. In addition, St. Louis Battlehawks linebackers Travis Feeney and Pita Taumoepenu will be signing autographs.
Halftime entertainment will feature a special performance by the Midwest’s own rock trio, The Black Moods. Renowned for their raw, electrifying take on classic rock ‘n’ roll, the band delivers a fresh, high-energy sound led by vocalist and guitarist Josh Kennedy, bassist Brendan McBride, and drummer Chico Diaz. Kennedy will also perform the national anthem, delivering an electrifying instrumental rendition of the song prior to kickoff.
The game can also be viewed on ABC and tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com. | Ryan Parker
