Fighters set to appear on the UFC’s White House card have spent time with Donald Trump ahead of the event.
The $1.5 million ticket price will keep most fans from attending, but the fighters involved in the main event got an early look at what’s in store.
The four men competing in the two title fights at the top of the ‘Freedom 250’ bill also seemingly found out what they will be fighting for next month.
Ilia Topuria, who has already planned his pre-fight celebrations, was unsurprisingly confident that it will be him leaving the White House with the newly unveiled title.
Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje talk UFC belt with Donald Trump
During their visit to the White House on May 6, Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira, and Ciryl Gane stood with Donald Trump in the Oval Office as a new UFC belt was shown off.
It’s not yet confirmed if this stars-and-stripes themed version will be what’s on the line at ‘Freedom 250’, but it was certainly the centre of attention during their visit.
Despite some concerns about Topuria possibly stopping Gaethje in what is supposed to be a celebration of America’s birthday, that didn’t stop ‘El Matador’ from showing off the new design.
In a clip from the meeting, which was shared by ChampRDS on X (formerly Twitter), Topuria said he hadn’t expected Trump to be so friendly before asking him: “Why did you want to give the toughest test to a friend of yours?”
Gaethje replied: “Because he knows that’s what I want,” before Trump asked him how confident he was feeling ahead of his lightweight title defence. Topuria replied:
The exchange ended with a handshake between Topuria and Trump, while Gaethje stood nearby. The moment captured just how much excitement there is around this unique event.
