DC Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta'amu (10) warms up before the game against the Vegas Vipers at Cashman Field in Las Vegas on Feb. 25, 2023.

The St. Louis Battlehawks came up short in their quest to make the UFL championship game last season. They lost to the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL conference championship game, marking a disappointing end to their season.

The Battlehawks will have another chance to get to the UFL title game in 2025. This time, they will have to make it through the DC Defenders as they face off for the second time in as many weeks.

St. Louis and DC split their season series. The Defenders won the Week 2 matchup between the teams 27-15, while the Battlehawks won 13-8 in a Week 10 game that saw each team rest some of its key players, with playoff berths already secured.

The Battlehawks sported the UFL's best scoring defense during the 2025 season, allowing just 16.3 points per game. They allowed 13 or fewer points in four of their final five games of the season, so the Jordan Ta'amu-led Defenders offense will have its work cut out for it.

The good news for DC is that Ta'amu was one of the UFL's top quarterbacks last season. He completed 54.4% of his passes for 2,153 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions while helping the Defenders average a league-best 246.5 passing yards per game.

Meanwhile, the Battlehawks will rely more on their defense and Jacob Saylors-helmed ground game, which averaged a UFL-best 144.2 rushing yards per game, to carry them. If Saylors and Co. can have a big game, that would take pressure off former quarterback Max Duggan, who took over for St. Louis starter Manny Wilkins after he suffered a torn Achilles midway through the season.

The Battlehawks figure to have an advantage in this game because they are playing at home. However, the Defenders were the lone team to beat St. Louis at The Dome at America's Center, so Shannon Harris' team should provide a challenge to Anthony Becht's squad.

Here's what to know as the Battlehawks and Defenders square off in the XFL conference championship game.

What time is Battlehawks vs. Defenders?

  • Date: Sunday, June 8
  • Time: 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT)
  • Location: The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri

The St. Louis Battlehawks vs. DC Defenders XFL conference championship game will kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 8 at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis.

St. Louis Battlehawks vs. DC Defenders odds

The Battlehawks are small favorites over the Defenders in the XFL conference championship game, according to BetMGM. Here is a look at the spread, moneyline and point total for the contest:

All odds as of Tuesday, June 3.

  • Spread: Battlehawks (-3.5)
  • Moneyline: Battlehawks (-185) | Defenders (+150)
  • Over/under: 46.5

What channel is Battlehawks vs. Defenders UFL playoff game?

  • TV: Fox

Battlehawks vs. Defenders live stream free

  • Stream: Fubo

UFL playoff schedule 2025

Conference championship games: Sunday, June 8

  • USFL conference championship: Birmingham Stallions vs. Michigan Panthers, 3 p.m., ABC
  • XFL conference championship: St. Louis Battlehawks vs. DC Defenders, 6 p.m., Fox

UFL championship game: Saturday, June 14

  • USFL champion vs. XFL champion, 8 p.m., ABC

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: St. Louis Battlehawks vs. DC Defenders where to watch: TV channel, start time, odds

Reporting by Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect