Tonight, a truly unprecedented event takes place on the White House, as seven UFC fights play out on the South Lawn.
The fight card is meant as a celebration of 250 years of the US, but it coincides with the 80th birthday of Donald Trump, a close friend of UFC chief Dana White.
Six of the seven fights feature American athletes, and the action culminates in two title bouts: Ilia Topuria’s lightweight defence against interim champion Justin Gaethje, and an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
Among the other stars competing are “Sugar” Sean O’Malley and Michael Chandler, while controversial heavyweight Josh Hokit (who mocked Topuria’s divorce this week, before pretending to throw up at the weigh-ins) faces Trump’s favourite fighter, Derrick Lewis.
The fight night follows Friday’s press conference at the Lincoln Memorial, and Saturday’s weigh-in in the Ellipse park. Follow live updates and results from UFC Freedom 250, below.
Read MoreMeet Ilia Topuria, the stone-cold fighter headlining the UFC’s remarkable White House event
UFC White House fighter throws up at weigh-in: ‘So what? I was drinking’
UFC Freedom 250 LIVE
- White House hosts UFC fights to celebrate 250 years of US and Donald Trump’s 80th birthday
- Fights stream live on Paramount+, TNT Sports and HBO Max after weather delay
- Sean O’Malley knocks out Canada's Aiemann Zahabi before greeting Trump
- Divisive Josh Hokit KOs Trump's favourite fighter Derrick Lewis, labels Michelle Obama a 'man'
- Mauricio Ruffy scores stunning stoppage of Michael Chandler with spinning heel kick
- Bo Nickal knocks out Kyle Daukaus in all-American middleweight clash
- Diego Lopes knocks Steve Garcia out cold in first fight of the night
- Main event: Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria vs interim champion Justin Gaethje
- Co-main event: Alex Pereira fights Ciryl Gane for interim heavyweight title
Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane next with interim title on the line
04:34 , Alex PattleNext up is the co-main event, as Alex Pereira fights Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
Pereira is aiming to become the first three-weight UFC champion ever, while Gane is aiming to become a two-time interim heavyweight champion.
Given every fight has ended by KO tonight, does that bode well for Pereira’s trademark knockout abilities? Or can Gane maintain the range and win a decision?
Those feel the two likeliest outcomes, but of course, anything can happen in this sport.
O'Malley salutes crowd while opponent falls to mat
04:29 , Alex PattleSean O’Malley def. Aiemann Zahabi via second-round TKO (punches, 4:02)
O’Malley saluted the crowd while Zahabi fell to the mat. He then spoke to Trump at ringside
O’Malley to Joe Rogan: “Manifestation is a real thing. I’ve seen this before.” He watches back his KO. “Ah, that was sexy.”
He calls for a shot at champion Petr Yan, over whom he holds a past win.
He then speaks to Mark Zuckerbeg on his way out of the cageside area.
Sean O'Malley gets KO he craved against Aiemann Zahabi
04:21 , Alex PattleRound two
Zahabi is almost running forwards with hard low kicks, now and then. That’s been his best weapon, and it might be taking a toll on O’Malley.
But O’Malley is still doing most of the best work here, and he’s bloodied up Zahabi’s nose.
OH! And finally he scores the knockdown with a jab. Zahabi scrambles back up, but another knockdown follows from a one-two, and it’s all over!
Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi
04:15 , Alex PattleRound one
O’Malley stands southpaw and presses forward. Now he goes orthodox. Zahabi switches stances back and forth, too. “O’Malley” is the chant from the crowd.
Not too much thrown so far, but O’Malley continues to pressure. He’s trying to draw some counters out of Zahabi, so that he can counter himself.
Decent cross to the body by O’Malley. Zahabi kicks low. O’Malley chases and jabs. Another cross to the body by Sugar. Zahabi with a left hand up top.
O’Malley starts to find his range late in the round, concerning Zahabi with shots off both wings.
O'Malley desperate for first KO since 2023
04:05 , Alex PattleFormer bantamweight champ O’Malley is one of the UFC’s biggest stars and is famous for his KOs – or was...
He hasn’t scored one since 2023, and he’s said he MUST land one tonight to stay relevant.
To be honest, he’ll likely get a title shot next if he wins tonight, no matter how he gets it done.
Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi next up
04:01 , Alex Pattle“Sugar” Sean O’Malley steps out for the USA next, taking on Canada’s Aiemann Zahabi.
Josh Hokit swears, calls out Pereira, and labels Michelle Obama a man
03:55 , Alex PattleHokit: “I’m the man with the plan, the beast that’s ready to feast.
“You know what? F*** the speech.
“Shoutout to Trump for having the balls to put some s*** like this on.
“And if I’m gonna say anything, there’s only one person more incredible than the ‘Incredible Hoke’, and that’s my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.”
He then calls out Alex Pereira, who fights later tonight, before claiming Michelle Obama is a man. Brilliant.
Josh Hokit stops Trump's favourite fighter Derrick Lewis
03:48 , Alex PattleThere’s a loud “Lewis” chant, but it’s still almost all Hokit.
He shows off some quick hands in punching combinations, and Lewis looks like he’s in trouble.
Good clinch work from Hokit, too.
Hokit is now landing his right cross at will from range.
Oh! Lewis finally goes down, and this one is waved off!
Josh Hokit vs Derrick Lewis
03:45 , Alex PattleRound one
Big elbow from Hokit from on top, then another slashing one. He’s got Lewis on the canvas and by the fence.
Lewis tries to explode up, but Hokit drags his legs away and then lands a punch. And another.
Hokit slides into mount. He’s controlling Lewis’s hands and picking his moments to throw shots.
The crowd gets excited as Lewis starts to stand, but he soon falls. It looks like one of those elbows has cut Lewis around his left eye.
OH! Hokit suddenly attacks an armbar, he’s got the arm fully extended, but Lewis isn’t tapping...
20 seconds left in the round... Somehow Lewis survives!
Josh Hokit vs Derrick Lewis
03:40 , Alex PattleRound one
So many fans would love Lewis to end the Hokit hype tonight. Hokit tends to play characters, and he really gets on people’s nerves.
Lots of kicks from Hokit early on, including some quite acrobatic heel kicks – he slips after one and scrambles back to his feet! He’s 30lb lighter, much quicker than Lewis.
Hokit looks wary of Lewis’s power, but he’s still pressing forward.
Double-leg takedown from Hokit!
Hokit emerges to Hulk Hogan's theme song
03:33 , Alex PattleA band is playing the walkout music of WWE icon Hulk Hogan, who died last year, as Hokit emerges.
As usual, Hokit is wearing a USA bandana and sunglasses.
Lewis the record-breaker
03:32 , Alex PattleAt 41 years old, Lewis is seemingly near the end of his career, and a lack of motivation has been perceptible in recent times.
However, his 16 knockouts are a UFC record. So, he could definitely take out Hokit here.
Still, 28-year-old Hokit is the betting favourite.
Trump personally requested this fight
03:28 , Alex PattleAfter watching from ringside in April as Hokit beat Curtis Blaydes in an instant classic, Trump requested that Hokit be added to tonight’s card.
By the end of that evening in Miami, Hokit had been paired with Lewis, who is Trump’s favourite fighter.
Next: Controversial Josh Hokit faces Trump's favourite fighter
03:24 , Alex PattleNext, Trump’s favourite fighter Derrick Lewis takes on the divisive Josh Hokit.
Hokit seemingly caused the abrupt ending of the press conference on Friday after insulting Topuria’s divorce, and he pretended to throw up at yesterday’s weigh-in.
An odd bloke, who gets people talking...
Ruffy asks partner to marry him
03:17 , Alex PattleMauricio Ruffy def. Michael Chandler via first-round TKO (spinning heel kick, 4:29)
“Great fight, great fight,” Trump tells Ruffy, as the Brazilian tries to speak to him through the cage.
Ruffy then speaks to Joe Rogan via a translator and says he believes he’s next up for a title shot. Tonight’s main event is a lightweight title bout...
Ruffy then asks his partner is she’ll marry him, although he did call her his wife already... Maybe that was a mistranslation.
Either way, what a place to ask!
Mauricio Ruffy scores stunning KO of Michael Chandler
03:10 , Alex PattleFun fight so far. Ruffy is dialing up the pressure; he has Chandler looking nervous against the fence. Spinning heel kick is blocked by Chandler BUT he felt it...
Now a takedown from Chandler, but Ruffy slips free and hurts him! Ruffy adds a body shot then a right upstairs.
Chandler shoots for a takedown, but Ruffy sprawls.
OH! Another spinning heel kick, and down goes Chandler! Ruffy with a HARD uppercut to a kneeling Chandler, and the ref steps in.
It’s all over. Three fights, three KOs.
Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler
03:08 , Alex PattleRound one
“USA” chant as Chandler looks alert early on. He’s pressing forward, but Ruffy looks calm. The Brazilian is the much-taller fighter.
A few low kicks from Chandler early, but now one from Ruffy, then a decent jab.
Chandler toys with the idea of a takedown once or twice, but he doesn’t commit. A grazing right cross from Ruffy, now one from Chandler. Chandler’s face looks red already.
Ruffy with a spinning back kick to the body. He loves those sorts of flashy kicks. Superman punch off the cage by Chandler!
Michael Chandler vs Mauricio Ruffy up next
03:02 , Alex PattleChandler, 40, is actually the biggest underdog on the card. Can he pull off the upset?
Michael Chandler vs Mauricio Ruffy up next
02:59 , Alex PattleUS lightweight Chandler is NEVER is dull fights, and he faces a tough test against Brazil’s Ruffy, who is a big betting favourite.
Michael Chandler vs Mauricio Ruffy up next
02:54 , Alex PattleThis could be another corker of a fight.
Tyson Fury teases big announcement
02:49 , Alex PattleThis is the first time since 2021 that the British boxer has been in the USA.
“It’s been a long time and boy, oh boy, am I happy to be here.
“Freedom at the White House, and Trump’s birthday, what an event.”
Fury teases an announcement involving Dana White – possibly Fury signing with White’s Zuffa Boxing?! – but he won’t reveal anything yet.
Fury is wearing a “Donald Trump For Prime Minister” cap, by the way.
Tyson Fury is here?!
02:47 , Alex Pattle“American Pie” gives way to “Sex On Fire”, as British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury makes an entrance!
Didn’t expect that!
Tyson Fury is here?!
02:47 , Alex Pattle“American Pie” gives way to “Sex On Fire”, as British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury makes an entrance!
Didn’t expect that!
Zac Brown Band and uncanny (AI?) video package
02:45 , Alex PattleThere’s a bit of a wait for the next fight, so the UFC shows some footage from the Zac Brown Band’s performance this week, and now we’ve got an uncanny video package about the history of the USA (and how it’s linked to fighting?). It seems to be AI, I’d say.
Bo Nickal stops fellow American Kyle Daukaus
02:44 , Alex Pattle
Bo Nickal speaks on victory over Kyle Daukaus
02:34 , Alex PattleBo Nickal def. Kyle Daukaus via first-round TKO (4:34)
“It feels amazing, first and foremost I’ve gotta thank President Trump for making this happen, thank you Dana, all the UFC.
“This is unbelievable. It takes such a special person to have the balls to do something like this, I have so much respect for him.
“I visualised about 100 different ways to finish that guy, and I’m just grateful.”
Bo Nickal knocks out Kyle Daukaus in round one!
02:29 , Alex PattleRound one
Daukaus keeps his body triangle tight, as Nickal struggles to pass the guard.
Eventually, though, Daukaus is able to make space and land another big elbow!
But referee Jason Herzog pauses the action and stands the fighters up?! Nickal is understandably unhappy.
Decent left hook from Daukaus, but he walks onto a straight punch. Daukaus needs to make this time count now.
Nickal skims a head kick off Daukaus’s head, then tags him with a right hook, and Daukaus drops! Oh, he turtles up, and it’s waved off!!
Nickal speaks to Trump at ringside.
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus
02:26 , Alex PattleRound one
Both men stand southpaw. Nickal misses with a compact overhand, and then another, but he grabs Daukaus off that entry – lifting and dumping his fellow American to the mat!
Daukaus seems to toy with the idea of a buggy choke, but he doesn’t commit. Nickal with some harsh elbows now, and Daukaus is cut already!
Daukaus is mainly trying to keep Nickal close, not allowing him space to work.
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus up next
02:20 , Alex Pattle"I'm digging this live music," says Joe Rogan while incessantly talking over it, as a band plays out Bo Nickal.
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus up next
02:14 , Alex PattleThe broadcast is moving swiftly on!
Next up is an all-American bout, as Bo Nickal fights Kyle Daukaus at middleweight.
Nickal predominantly likes to wrestle, but he has fallen in love with his striking a bit in recent times. So, this one could play out in a number of different ways.
Daukaus is back in the UFC after being released, and he’s riding high at the moment. Nickal will be well fancied here, but Daukaus is a “live dog”, as the Americans say.
Diego Lopes speaks on victory over Steve Garcia
02:10 , Alex PattleLopes: “Bro, this is unbelievable, you know?
“If you come in the middle of the cage and try to fight with me, sorry guys, I’m knocking everybody out.”
Diego Lopes def. Steve Garcia via second-round KO (punches, 2:42)
WHAT a photo this is...
Diego Lopes lands huge comeback KO on Steve Garcia!
02:04 , Alex PattleRound two
Garcia blocks another front kick to the body. Now he steps back to evade a high kick. Decent jab by Lopes.
Garcia lands cross then a jab. He slips off the centre line to avoid an overhand, then tags Lopes with a hardddd cross. Lopes’s legs buckled slightly there.
Another good jab from Garcia, who is glanced by a cross.
OH! A huge left hook has Garcia out on his feet out of nowhere!!
Lopes with more shots in a wild exchange, both men are landing... and DOWN GOES GARCIA from another left hook!
Ground and pound puts him out! Lopes with a comeback KO win, wowwww.
Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia
01:59 , Alex PattleRound one
There’s a “let’s go, Lopes” chant! The Brazilian getting the support over the US fighter...
Hard uppercut by Garcia from a long way out, but he’s tagged on the way in and stumbles off balance.
Another uppercut by Garcia, but Lopes digs to the body well.
Garcia blocks a front kick to the body. Hard southpaw cross from Garcia, who wins the first round for me.
Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia
01:57 , Alex PattleRound one
A “USA” chant precedes the action, and we’re under way. Lopes stands orthodox; Garcia is southpaw. Lots of feints from both men’s jab hands, then Garcia blocks a high kick.
Great uppercut by Garcia, but Lopes eats it well! Another hard shot by Garcia, but Lopes fires back. Lopes with a lazy takedown attempt or feint, then a front kick to the body.
Pawing lead hook by Garcia then an oblique kick. Fast pace, strange atmosphere – it’s quiet. Commentary has cut out...
Question-mark kick upstairs by Garcia after a body kick from Lopes, who then kicks high.
Diego Lopes joins Garcia in the cage, here we go...
01:51 , Alex PattleGet ready, folks. If you’re new to MMA, this is a hell of a fight to introduce you to the sport. It could be wild.
Jon Anik and Joe Rogan lead broadcast as fighters arrive
01:41 , Alex PattleUFC commentary stalwart Jon Anik is leading the broadcast along with Joe Rogan and ex-UFC champion Daniel Cormier.
Fighters are being filmed arriving, but we already know Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia have had their hands wrapped before the night’s first bout.
Sean Strickland removed by Secret Service amid ban
01:38 , Alex PattleControversial UFC champion Sean Strickland claimed he was banned from this week’s events, and he’s been pictured getting removed by Secret Service!
Banned UFC fighter removed from White House event by US Secret Service
Trump and White arrive! Surreal scene
01:26 , Alex PattleDana White and Donald Trump have been filmed walking through the White House, and now they’re on the balcony before the South Lawn.
This is surreal.
Eric Trump denies he messaged Daniel Cormier asking if fights were 'rigged'
01:23 , Alex PattleAlleged screenshots did the rounds tonight, appearing to show UFC champion-turned-commentator Daniel Cormier exchanging messages with Donald Trump’s son Eric, who seemed to ask whether any of the fights are “rigged”.
However, Eric Trump has now said that these screenshots were AI images. He denies they were real.
Eric Trump refutes claim he asked UFC Freedom 250 commentator if fights were ‘rigged’
Will tonight's fights be cancelled due to severe weather?
01:10 , Alex PattleWell, here’s what UFC chief Dana White said on Friday...
“Listen, the show goes on on Sunday, no matter what happens.
“We’re going. I don’t care if it rains, snows. I’m sick and tired of hearing about all the weather now, and all the other bulls*** surrounding this event.
“WE ARE FIGHTING ON SUNDAY NIGHT ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN, no matter what!”
Broadcast about to begin but first fight’s start time is ‘fluid’
Monday 15 June 2026 00:55 , Alex PattleThe broadcast is about to begin, but a UFC representative told Uncrowned that the “official time for the first fight remains fluid”, although the aim is 2am BST / 6pm PT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET.
Is the UFC White House fight card good enough? Here are our grades
Monday 15 June 2026 00:47 , Alex PattleWe graded every fight on tonight’s card, as well as the event overall.
What do you think? Were we harsh or fair?
I think my stance might have softened slightly since the fights were first announced...
Is the UFC’s White House card good enough? Grading every fight
UFC Freedom 250 fight card in full
Monday 15 June 2026 00:39 , Alex PattleSubject to change; ‘C’ denotes champion:
Ilia Topuria (C) vs Justin Gaethje (lightweight title)
Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane (interim heavyweight title)
Sean O’Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi (bantamweight)
Derrick Lewis vs Josh Hokit (heavyweight)
Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler (lightweight)
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus (middleweight)
Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia (featherweight)
How to watch UFC Freedom 250 tonight
Monday 15 June 2026 00:31 , Alex PattleThe event will stream live on Paramount+ in the US and UK. TNT Sports and HBO Max also allow access to the fights in the UK.
It was thought that CBS could show some of the action in the US, but Dana White said at the final pre-fight press conference: “It’s very simple, it’s on Paramount+. The whole show is on Paramount+.”
Here’s why Conor McGregor isn’t fighting tonight
Monday 15 June 2026 00:18 , Alex PattleConor McGregor is scheduled to make his return to the cage next month, fighting Max Holloway on 11 July in Las Vegas – a few days before the Irishman turns 38.
McGregor was keen to fight on tonight’s card at the White House, but the UFC was always likely to put him on a separate event.
That way, it’s a double whammy; ideally, the promotion draws some Paramount+ subscriptions for tonight’s show, and some extra when McGregor fights next month.
This is especially important given the UFC is operating at a loss of $60m tonight (taxpayer money is NOT funding the White House event).
McGregr has not fought in five years, by the way, since breaking his leg in a 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier.
Inside the UFC White House fighters’ locker rooms
Sunday 14 June 2026 23:53 , Alex PattleThe UFC White House locker room setup 👀 pic.twitter.com/lbs35Kv1yj
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 14, 2026
Did Hokit force press conference to end with divorce reference?
Sunday 14 June 2026 23:45 , Alex PattleDana White abruptly ended Friday’s press conference after Hokit insulted Ilia Topuria over the Spanish-Georgian’s recent divorce.
It was the second mention of that personal matter this week, after Justin Gaethje hinted at it in an interview.
“What an annoying little b*****d,” said Gaethje of Topuria, whom he fights tonight. “I couldn’t imagine being in a room with him for 30 minutes, listening to him talk about himself.
“And I can say this: I would leave him. That’s all I’m saying: I would leave him. No way I would put up with his s***.”
Topuria fired back on X: “Justin crossed a line. What happened between my ex-wife and me is our business. We may no longer be together, but she is the mother of my daughter.”
More here:
UFC White House fighters Topuria and Gaethje trade insults about ‘divorce’ and family
Saturday: Josh Hokit appears to throw up at weigh-in – ‘I was drinking’
Sunday 14 June 2026 23:30 , Alex PattleJosh Hokit stole the show at the Saturday morning weigh-in, having done the same at Friday’s press conference.
On Friday evening, fighters shared a stage in front of the Lincoln Memorial, with Hokit chiming in at every opportunity – regardless of who had been asked a question.
And on Saturday morning, as the fighters weighed in before a crowd of media personnel, Hokit seemingly pretended to throw up, as he dribbled a sick-coloured liquid from his mouth.
“So what? Maybe I was drinking last night,” the American heavyweight told those in the room. “Who wouldn’t be?
“I’ve got a giant man who wants to knock me out. He has the most knockouts in UFC history,” Hokit added, referencing his opponent Derrick Lewis.
More here:
UFC White House fighter appears to throw up at weigh-in: ‘So what? I was drinking’
Don’t be fooled by UFC White House glitz – not all is well in Dana White’s world
Sunday 14 June 2026 23:15 , Alex PattleWhen UFC Freedom 250 plays out, with few actual fans ringside but 85,000 watching on big screens in the nearby Ellipse park, it will be glitz and glamour galore.
Mr Trump’s close friend Dana White, the UFC’s president and CEO, has said that TV-production awards should be abolished altogether if this event wins none.
It’s hyperbole, of course, to which White is more than prone, but it’s also curious because of how starkly it stands in contrast to the UFC’s weekly product.
Over the last couple of years, the UFC has come under increasing criticism for its output. A peak has passed, it feels.
Full comment:
Don’t be fooled by the UFC White House glitz – all is not well in Dana White’s world
Trump loves crashing sports events – thanks to the UFC, he’s got his own
Sunday 14 June 2026 23:00 , Alex PattleAfter a chorus of boos at the NBA finals, the president now has form for disruptive big-game appearances, with similar moments at the Ryder Cup and US Open last year.
But Trump can now watch his friend Dana White’s event from his own back garden, far from detractors...
Full comment:
Trump loves crashing sports events – thanks to the UFC, he’s got his own with a twist
Judge rejected bid to block Trump’s UFC fight at White House
Sunday 14 June 2026 22:45 , Alex WoodwardA federal judge rejected a request for an injunction to block the Trump administration from holding tonight’s fight event.
The lawsuit was filed by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of two civic activists, who accused the administration of a "deeply corrupt" scheme to benefit the president's allies.
Judge Amit Mehta ruled that the plaintiffs did not prove they would face "irreparable harm" or be "directly affected" by the event, which they do not plan to attend.
The judge stated that the for-profit elements of UFC Freedom 250 and the lack of congressional approval or environmental review were not new information.
He also stressed that the stage and all other materials would be removed immediately after the fights conclude.
Judge rejects bid to block Trump’s UFC fight at White House
How Secret Service will protect Trump during ‘Rating 1’ threat level tonight
Sunday 14 June 2026 22:30 , Bruce GoldingRooftop sharpshooters, trained dogs, explosives experts, metal detectors and high-tech surveillance cameras are among the security measures the Secret Service will use to protect President Donald Trump during the controversial cage fights he's hosting at the White House this evening.
Former Secret Service agents told The Independent they were confident that Trump — who's been the target of three assassination attempts — would be sufficiently shielded as he celebrates his 80th birthday at the UFC "Freedom 250" event.
Bobby McDonald, who retired as second supervisor of then-Vice President Joe Biden's Secret Service detail, said the White House sat on "the safest 18 acres in America."
"Any event that's on the south grounds of the White House is going to be as secure as you can get," said McDonald, now an assistant professor of criminal justice and criminology at New Haven University. "Look, the president gets the highest level of protection we have, so everything under the sun will be on hand."
More here:
The Secret Service plan for ‘Rating 1’ threat level at Trump’s UFC event
Who can attend UFC Freedom 250?
Sunday 14 June 2026 22:15 , Alex PattleThere will be no general admission for the White House fights, which are expected to be invite-only.
However, fans were able to apply for free tickets to watch the fights from the Ellipse park, next to the White House.
UFC boss Dana White said in May: “[Trump] wants this to be mostly for the military, so there’s gonna be 4,300 people there. I just literally went over it right now; 4,300 people, and most of them will be military. 100 per cent [it’s a ‘thank you’ to the military].
“We’re gonna give away about 85,000 tickets [to the Ellipse]. There’s a process, you have to register for tickets, and they’re free [...] For those who don’t know, the Ellipse is a massive park. Literally, you’ll be able to see the fight[s] from the Ellipse, but we have screens, we’ve got stages, we’ve got music.”
Exclusive interview: Meet the stone-cold fighter headlining tonight
Sunday 14 June 2026 22:00 , Alex PattleIlia Topuria’s opponent, Justin Gaethje, stood with his mouth slightly agape as he looked up, down, side to side, and all around him. It’s understandable that the American fighter was overawed; here he was, standing at the Lincoln Memorial, about to wage a war of words with Topuria before waging a war in the cage on Sunday – on the White House’s South Lawn.
So how comes Topuria, when he emerged moments later, was wearing a smirk?
He told me why he’s so “relaxed” about fighting at the White House, and feeling like he’s “lived it already”:
Meet Ilia Topuria, the stone-cold fighter headlining the UFC’s White House event
Is the UFC White House fight card good enough? Here are our grades
Sunday 14 June 2026 21:45 , Alex PattleWe graded every fight on tonight’s card, as well as the event overall.
What do you think? Were we harsh or fair?
Is the UFC’s White House card good enough? Grading every fight
UFC Freedom 250 LIVE: Welcome!
Sunday 14 June 2026 21:03 , Alex PattleTonight, a truly unprecedented event takes place on the White House, as seven UFC fights play out on the South Lawn.
The fight card is meant as a celebration of 250 years of the US, but it coincides with the 80th birthday of Donald Trump, a close friend of UFC chief Dana White.
Six of the seven fights feature American athletes, and the action culminates in two title bouts: Ilia Topuria’s lightweight defence against interim champion Justin Gaethje, and an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
Among the other stars competing are “Sugar” Sean O’Malley and Michael Chandler, while controversial heavyweight Josh Hokit (who mocked Topuria’s divorce this week, before pretending to throw up at the weigh-ins) faces Trump’s favourite fighter, Derrick Lewis.
Follow live updates and results from UFC Freedom 250, below.
