The matchup for UFL United Bowl III is officially set.
After the defending champion D.C. Defenders stunned the Orlando Storm in the semifinals, the Louisville Kings kept their remarkable season alive by defeating the St. Louis Battlehawks on the road. Facing one of the league’s toughest environments, the Kings relied on timely big plays to secure a thrilling victory and punch their ticket to the championship game.
Now, the Defenders and Kings will meet for the 2026 UFL title. Both teams earned their spot in the United Bowl the hard way, winning semifinal games on the road. While they took very different paths to get there, one thing remains the same: in the playoffs, regular-season narratives no longer matter. Survival and victory are all that count.
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The Defenders defending their title
The Defenders opened the season 5-1 behind reigning United Bowl MVP Jordan Ta’amu. However, injuries sidelined Ta’amu, and D.C. dropped each of its remaining regular-season games. Despite finishing 5-5, the Defenders secured a playoff berth and kept their championship hopes alive.
That set up a third consecutive matchup against the Orlando Storm. After losing the previous two meetings and entering as significant underdogs, the Defenders responded with a dominant defensive performance. D.C.’s defense smothered an Orlando offense led by UFL MVP favorite Jack Plummer and helped the defending champions pull off one of the season’s biggest upsets.
The victory sent the Defenders to their second straight United Bowl, making them the first team in league history to accomplish that feat. Now, they have an opportunity to become the UFL’s first back-to-back champions.
On the other side stands one of the league’s best storybook runs.
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Home town hero
The Kings are led by Louisville legend Chris Redman. Redman’s football journey began at a local high school before he starred as quarterback for the University of Louisville Cardinals. In his first season as head coach, Redman has guided the expansion franchise to the brink of a championship.
After opening the season 0-3, Louisville won six of its next seven games to earn a playoff berth. Now, in the franchise’s inaugural UFL season, the Kings are one win away from a title. Behind the leadership of Redman and quarterback Chandler Rogers, Louisville has transformed from an early-season afterthought into a legitimate championship contender.
The Defenders and Kings will square off in United Bowl III on Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m.
Will the Defenders make history with a second consecutive championship? Or will the Kings complete their run and capture the first United Bowl title for their hometown hero head coach?
