The event will mark the birthday of US President Donald Trump, as well as 250 years of American independence.
Two big title fights
The main fights of the evening will be led by:
- Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the unified UFC lightweight title.
- Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gana for the interim heavyweight belt.
Topuria enters the match undefeated, with seven knockout victories and eight submission finishes, while Gaethje will try to win a new title after a rich UFC career.
Brazilian Pereira will try to make history as the first fighter to win UFC titles in three different weight classes.
Five more big fights
The audience will watch a number of other attractive matches:
- Sean O’Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi
- Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler
- Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus
- Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia
Limited number of viewers
UFC president Dana White confirmed that the Octagon will be set up on the South Lawn of the White House, where the fights will be watched live by around 4,000 people.
Trump will receive 1,000 tickets to distribute to guests, while the rest will be distributed among members of the US military. The organizers also announced 85,000 free tickets to watch the broadcast on big screens in Ellipse Park, across from the White House.
Gearing up for battle on the South Lawn.
President Trump meets with Alex Pereira, Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje and Cyril Gane in the Oval Office ahead of their fights at UFC Freedom 250 in June. pic.twitter.com/DsPcYiGM1o
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 6, 2026
Trump’s longtime love for the UFC
Last year, Trump announced the idea of holding a UFC event at the White House during the Independence Day celebration.
The American president is known as a big fan of martial arts and a close friend of Dana White. He was the first sitting US president to attend a live UFC event back in 2019.
Speaking about the sport of MMA, Trump previously stated:
“I respect fighters. When you can take 200 punches to the face and can’t wait for the second round, that’s something special.”
When is the event?
Preliminary fights begin on June 14 in the evening, while the main fight card will be held on the night between Sunday and Monday.
The event will be broadcast by TNT Sports, while the preliminary portion will be available through the UFC Fight Pass platform.
(Vijesti.ba)
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