UFC Freedom 250 press conference LIVE: Dana White ends Lincoln Memorial event after divorce insult

On Friday, a unique press conference took place at the Lincoln Memorial, as UFC fighters traded barbs two days before competing on the White House South Lawn.

Sunday will bring an unprecedented event, where seven fights will play out as a celebration of 250 years of the United States, but also coinciding with the 80th birthday of US President Donald Trump – who was not present on Friday.

Still, Trump is a close friend of UFC chief Dana White, who hosted the press conference and abruptly ended it after Josh Hokit referenced Ilia Topuria’s divorce.

Sunday’s main event sees Topuria defend the UFC lightweight title against American Gaethje, but heavyweight Hokit has jibed at Topuria before – to the point of being dragged away by security at a prior press conference.

Friday’s press conference was actually delayed due to storms in the surrounding area in Washington DC, but White insisted that Sunday’s fights will go ahead “no matter what”. Re-live the UFC Freedom 250 press conference, below.

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UFC Freedom 250 press conference LIVE

• Fighters shared stage and traded barbs ahead of Sunday’s White House UFC event
• Press conference took place at Lincoln Memorial, without Donald Trump present
• UFC boss Dana White ended press conference abruptly after fighter referenced rival's divorce
• Event was delayed due to nearby lightning, raising questions over Sunday's fights
• UFC Freedom 250, as fight card is named, is celebration of 250 years of US
• Federal judge rejects lawsuit seeking to prevent fights from going ahead

UFC White House press conference – what you missed

04:45 , Alex Pattle

The event was wrapped up abruptly by Dana White after heavyweight Josh Hokit referenced Ilia Topuria’s recent divorce.

It’s not the first time Hokit has gotten under Topuria’s skin – even though they’re not fighting, or even in the same division – and it’s not the first time someone has mentioned the divorce.

Topuria’s opponent Justin Gaethje did so this week, leading to a back and forth on social media.

But Hokit generally wound up Topuria at last month’s launch press conference for UFC Freedom 250, leading Hokit to be dragged off stage by security.

Heavyweight Hokit (who is much bigger than lightweight Topuria!) faces Derrick Lewis on Sunday.

UFC White House press conference – what you missed

04:00 , Alex Pattle

“It’s very simple, it’s on Paramount+. The whole show is on Paramount+,” said Dana White of Sunday’s fight card.

We were all led to believe that CBS would stream some of the action, at least, but based on these comments... maybe not.

UFC White House press conference – what you missed

03:33 , Alex Pattle

The event was delayed by around half an hour due to poor weather, with lightning striking in the surrounding areas.

Dana White, during the press conference itself, said regardless:

”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!”

A hell of a photo, in fairness

03:24 , Alex Pattle

That’s a shot I never thought I’d see.

Topuria shoves Gaethje before the rivals trade more barbs

03:16 , Alex Pattle

Topuria shoved Gaethje before their face-off, and Dana White held them apart with the help of security.

All the while, Gaethje and Topuria chirped back and forth.

Donald Trump absent from press conference

03:10 , Alex Pattle

Donald Trump did not appear, by the way.

Dana White ends press conference after Hokit references Topuria's divorce

03:07 , Alex Pattle

Hokit: “I think Topuria’s mad because he’s so short he can’t see himself in the bathroom mirror.”

He then references Topuria’s divorce before pretending to apologise.

Wow, Dana wrapped up the press conference RIGHT after that.

Gaethje on 'personal' aspect of Topuria fight

03:04 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje on Topuria making the fight personal:

“Of course, fighting is personal! We’re trying to f***ing beat each other up. None of you guys understand how serious it is, only we understand. You could never dream of taking these chances, taking these risks.”

Topuria and Gaethje trade jibes

03:03 , Alex Pattle

Topuria: “Justin, in the bottom of his heart, knows I’m gonna knock him out in the first round.”

Gaethje: “Na, not how it works. You might know.”

Hokit chimes in again, and Topuria tells him to shut up before taking a deep breath.

Topuria to Gaethje: “Your coach is not gonna be in there with you.”

Gaethje: “That’s how it works!”

Gaethje talks up his coach, to which Topuria says: “What makes your coach the best, if you’re not the best.”

Dana White on next ambitious UFC event

03:01 , Alex Pattle

White: “I like arenas where fans can get a great experience, where we don’t have to worry about the elements. I mean, this is an incredible event and I love it, but I’m not looking to go outside anymore and do anything crazy. We’ll just do arenas the rest of the year.”

Okay, maybe nothing too ambitious after all, then!

Topuria on where Pereira ranks if he wins

02:58 , Alex Pattle

Topuria: “Listen, he’s the GOAT already. It doesn’t matter what’s gonna happen on Sunday, for me he’s the GOAT – one of the GOATs, because we have a lot in this sport.”

Now Hokit is talking again.

Topuria: “Shut up, shut up. Can’t someone just shut this guy up. Shut up. Thank you very much, but just shut up. Shut up, bro.”

Hokit chipping in with more thoughts

02:56 , Alex Pattle

Unprompted, unsolicited, Hokit is adding his thoughts on the other fights after the other athletes give their answers – and in that fake nervous tone of his. I’ll admit, I’m snickering.

“I’m sorry for interrupting, guys.”

Chandler on whether he'll put aside reckless style FOR ONCE!

02:55 , Alex Pattle

Chandler: “I’m conservative alright...

“No, I mean, this one is for me. I feel like at 34, I had a lot to prove to the fans when I came over [to the UFC].

“There’s nothing in the entire world that’s gonna stop me from getting my hand raised and catapult myself back into title contention.”

Chandler often gets sucked into brawls, at the cost of victory, and surely this platform will see him do the same?! He won’t be able to help himself! Not with the eyes of the world on him.

Trump's favourite fighter acknowledges hate for opponent

02:51 , Alex Pattle

Derrick Lewis, Trump’s favourite fighter, says of Josh Hokit: “Nobody likes this guy, man, I’ve got to put this guy out. I believe first-round knockout.”

Hokit: “Is this thing on?” Hokit is playing the nervous character he’s played before... for now...

“The Incredible Hoke says he’s going to put Derrick to sleep like Sleepy Joe [Biden], but I like Derrick Lewis. I just want to apologise for ruining the press conference last time – I like Topuria too, I like Pereira, they’re my favourite fighters.”

He’s referring to how he irritated those two at the launch press conference, leading security to drag him away.

“So, I just want to apologise for all that. I’m nervous. It’s just regular Josh today. I’m trying to keep the Incredible Hoke from coming out.”

For goodness’s sake...

Gane on Pereira's new endeavour at heavyweight

02:49 , Alex Pattle

Is Gane scared of this new, heavyweight Pereira?

“No, never, never,” he says. “I’ve fought already these types of guys, so everybody knows my strengths – I can manage this. If you want to be a fighter, you can’t be scared.”

Pereira is a former middleweight champ and former two-time light-heavyweight champ.

White clarifies how to watch fights – seemingly ruling out CBS...

02:47 , Alex Pattle

“It’s very simple, it’s on Paramount+. The whole show is on Paramount+.”

We were all led to believe that CBS would stream some of the action, at least. Hmm.

O'Malley taking phone call?

02:46 , Alex Pattle

O’Malley is either taking a phone call or pretending to.

Sean O'Malley on feeling like an American hero

02:45 , Alex Pattle

“It’s hard not to. We’re fighting on the White House Lawn, I’m fighting a Canadian, I’ve got to put his lights out – it’s as simple as that. I’ve got to put his lights out.

“Grew the beard out a little thicker, I noticed; that ain’t gonna work, buddy,” he tells opponent Aiemann Zahabi. “I know what you’re trying to do! That ain’t how it works.”

Gane on fans favouring Pereira

02:44 , Alex Pattle

Gane on being overlooked: “This is my history, this is my career, but let’s make history together.

“That’s cool, that’s cool. He’s a great athlete, a great champion, a good human as well, so I can understand [why they’re cheering for him].”

Pereira with a dig at Hokit?

02:42 , Alex Pattle

Pereira on Gane: “He’s a great athlete, someone who’s respectful – contrary to other people that just keep talking crap all the time before the fight.”

A reference to Hokit, maybe?

Alex Pereira on the occasion before him

02:41 , Alex Pattle

Pereira: “We know that now this looks like more gigantic than what we’ve done before.

“We’ve seen it’s something special, once in a lifetime. On Sunday, I just want to put on a show for all of you who are watching.”

Dana White addresses weather issues

02:39 , Alex Pattle

Dana White on weather delay:

”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!”

Topuria and Gaethje get us underway

02:36 , Alex Pattle

Topuria on Gaethje: “He can prove me wrong. I feel that I’m the best. If you think that I’m not, prove me wrong if you can.

“But I have my doubts. I know that I’m gonna take his lights out in the first round.”

Gaethje: “This guy is one of the best in the world, but I have fought the best of the best. I’m gonna use that experience to be great.

“I trust in my abilities, and fighting is crazy, so I’m gonna put it on the line.”

Bigger fight bonuses, says Dana White

02:33 , Alex Pattle

White says there will be bigger bonuses for this event than usual, but he completely splutters through his words, so it’s hard to understand how it’s going to work.

$400,000 bonuses for certain fighters, it sounds like?

All fighters in place, UFC boss Dana White hosting proceedings

02:32 , Alex Pattle

Every fighter has taken to the stage, and UFC president and CEO Dana White is hosting the press conference.

Here we go.

Fighters accompanied by young fans

02:26 , Alex Pattle

Each fighter so far has been accompanied by a different young fan, a nice touch by the UFC admittedly.

UFC White House press conference begins in earnest

02:22 , Alex Pattle

The fighters are making their way to the stage, with the Lincoln Memorial behind them; the press conference proper is underway!

A reminder of the protagonists:

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)

Military band plays short tune in another captivating scene

02:19 , Alex Pattle

A few final touches now, before the fighters emerge.

Steve Garcia talks up the American Dream

02:16 , Alex Pattle

US fighter Steve Garcia, who faces Brazil’s Diego Lopes on Sunday, talks up his background in a video package.

He says he’s a prime example of the American Dream.

Garcia is one of the lesser-known names on UFC Freedom 250, while Lopes is a two-time challenger at 145lb (having twice been outpointed by the great Alex Volkanovski), but their fight should deliver big time.

On Sunday, this featherweight bout could be the fight of the night.

Presenter Cormier sweats amid intense heat

02:12 , Alex Pattle

We’ve had the rain, the, lightning, the rainbow, but what’s left is a humid heat – and Daniel Cormier is feeling it.

The UFC champion-turned commentator has his colleague Jon Anik helping him out by wiping sweat from his forehead!

Admittedly Cormier is in a suit, and the fighters won’t be dressed up so much on Sunday, but you have to consider these factors. Sunday could be TOUGH for the athletes.

A surreal scene in Washington, DC

02:07 , Alex Pattle

A truly-surreal backdrop, to be honest. This event is crazy, some believe it’s farcical, but the visuals so far have been incredible at least.

Justin Gaethje reveals walkout rehearsal was delayed due to weather

02:02 , Alex Pattle

Justin Gaethje looks as smart as I’ve ever seen him, ha.

He genuinely seems in disbelief.

He talks about how his walkout rehearsal on Friday was delayed by around two hours due to weather issues.

Does that bode poorly for Sunday’s fight...?

And now to the sound of boos...

01:58 , Alex Pattle

Okay, Ciryl Gane arrives ahead of his fight with Alex Pereira on Sunday, and now there are boos, ha!

Gane fights out of France, but it’s not as if he’s taking on an American this week; Pereira is Brazilian, it’s just he’s a real fan favourite courtesy of his freakish KO power.

Fighters arriving to delight of fans

01:56 , Alex Pattle

There are some fans in attendance, enough to make some decent noise, and they’re cheering for Justin Gaethje and Alex Pereira.

With those two having arrived, we’re just waiting on the other halves of the final two fights for Sunday night.

As well as the undercard fighters, of course!

What a backdrop, to be fair!

01:54 , Alex Pattle

Opening video package gives way to stunning views

01:48 , Alex Pattle

Right, the press conference is upon us!

A video package plays to hype up Sunday’s fight card, followed by an overhead shot of the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool – accompanied by some patriotic music.

With a pink and dark blue sky in the background, this is a stunning visual, I have to admit.

There was lightning earlier, then rainbows.

Former champion Daniel Cormier and commentator Jon Anik are hosting.

UFC Freedom 250 press conference seemingly imminent

01:42 , Alex Pattle

Okay, we think the press conference will begin in just a few minutes.

Revised start time given... again!

01:33 , Alex Pattle

A new start time has now been given as 1.45am BST / 8.45pm ET.

Let’s hope so! That’ll come around in no time at all.

Controversial Josh Hokit expected to feature despite Reddit claim

01:28 , Alex Pattle

A thread on Reddit shared what was supposedly the list of fighters speaking at tonight’s press conference, but without Hokit or his opponent Derrick Lewis named.

However, the thumbnail for the press conference – on the UFC’s official YouTube channel – shows both American heavyweights.

Delays to press conference after weather warning

01:16 , Alex Pattle

The UFC is now advertising the start time for tonight’s press conference as 2am BST / 9pm ET.

Could that be tied to the recent weather warning? It could, yes, but regardless it now means the press conference will clash with USA vs Paraguay.

USA kickstart their World Cup campaign in LA tonight, as co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico.

Mexico beat South Africa in their opening game on Thursday, before Canada drew with Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight.

Not the only time Ilia Topuria has been angered recently

01:07 , Alex Pattle

More recently, Topuria took exception to another comment about family – this time, one directed at his own.

“All that guy is, is a gimmick,” Justin Gaethje said recently. “He calls himself the king, he thinks he’s a God. What an annoying little b*****d. 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***.”

Ahead of his fight with Gaethje on Sunday, Topuria replied: “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.

“To everyone insulting her or speaking about things they know nothing about: show some respect. You don’t have to respect our relationship. But respecting someone’s mother should be one of the most basic codes in life. Be better.”

Gaethje responded, and Topuria did the same in turn... More here:

UFC White House fighters Topuria and Gaethje trade insults about ‘divorce’ and family

Will Josh Hokit be dragged off stage by security again?

01:01 , Alex Pattle

At the launch press conference for UFC Freedom 250 last month, Hokit was hauled away by security after angering Ilia Topuria.

Hokit is due to face Derrick Lewis on Sunday, but in a stunnig tirade, the heavyweight took aim at Alex Pereira, who will vie for the division’s interim title on Sunday.

When Hokit referenced family, Topuria was irate – and the much-smaller man hurled a water bottle at the American, before security intervened.

It should be said that Hokit, who often speaks in rhyme, seems to be putting on a WWE-style persona. Still, that doesn’t mean you can say whatever you like, free of consequence, I suppose!

UFC White House star Josh Hokit removed by security after stunning tirade

The fighter bringing the colour to UFC Freedom 250

Saturday 13 June 2026 00:44 , Alex Pattle

Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is known for his flamboyance, but also for his sharpshooting in the ring.

The US star, nicknamed “Sugar Sean”, takes on Canada’s Aiemann Zahabi on Sunday.

Weather warning explained ahead of planned press conference

Saturday 13 June 2026 00:35 , Alex Pattle

So, the UFC is simply advising attendees not to get to the Lincoln Memorial too early for tonight’s press conference.

As far as weather updates go, that’s about as good as you could hope for; no delay to the event yet.

This update isn’t a major surprise, by the way, as it’s anticipated that some World Cup games in the US will suffer from disruption this summer.

UPDATE: UFC gives weather warning to press-conference attendees

Saturday 13 June 2026 00:32 , Alex Pattle

UFC White House headliner celebrates victory before even fighting

Saturday 13 June 2026 00:24 , Alex Pattle

Ilia Topuria, who defends the UFC lightweight title in Sunday’s main event, has a habit of celebrating his victories in advance!

Before facing Charles Oliveira last June, Topuria gathered with family at a restaurant to pre-celebrate his win – and later that week, “El Matador” KOed Oliveira in round one.

In 2024, he did the same before KOing Max Holloway.

Expect the same from him this week...

Trump phones USMNT amid World Cup snub – will he attend UFC press conference?

Saturday 13 June 2026 00:15 , Alex Pattle

Although Trump will skip USA’s World Cup opener against Paraguay, he reportedly called the team.

The president told the players Thursday night, “We're all rooting for you. The pressure is gone. Have some fun,” according to Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft.

The team later took to social media to share a clip of the call, in which Trump told coach Mauricio Pochettino that he was a “fantastic guy”.

“I’ve heard all about your record and your success and I know how great the players are,” Trump told Pochettino. “I think you’ve got a really good chance of going all the way. I just want to wish you a lot of luck.”

Will Trump attend tonight’s press conference for Sunday’s UFC fights? Let’s see...

Trump’s message to USA revealed as president snubs World Cup opener in LA

UFC White House press conference to finish in time for World Cup game?

Saturday 13 June 2026 00:09 , Alex Pattle

We’re just over an hour away from the UFC Freedom 250 press conference, which is due to begin at 8.15pm ET / 1.15am BST.

Meanwhile, USA’s opening World Cup game is due to kick off 9pm ET / 2am BST, as Mauricio Pochettino’s team play Uruguay in LA.

How many fans will be allowed at White House fights?

Saturday 13 June 2026 00:02 , Alex Pattle

UFC president and CEO Dana White suggested there will be around 4,000 people in the cageside area, including military personnel receiving tickets.

Otherwise, fans will be limited to the nearby Ellipse park, which is set to contain 85,000 attendees (who applied for free tickets!).

Donald Trump has met his fair share of fighters recently

Friday 12 June 2026 23:53 , Alex Pattle

This evening, Trump was photographed with boxing’s unified world heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

The unbeaten Ukrainian great met Trump in the Oval Office – just as Gaethje, Topuria, Pereira and Gane did recently, ahead of UFC Freedom 250.

President @realDonaldTrump in the Oval Office with the Heavyweight Champion of the World @usykaa 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/23Ff72OIP0

— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) June 12, 2026

Controversial fighter Josh Hokit claims: ‘I’m pretty stupid’

Friday 12 June 2026 23:44 , Alex Pattle

“I’m not trying to stand and bang with Derrick Lewis,” the divisive Hokit, known for his WWE-style monologues, said this week.

“I’m pretty stupid, but it’s like: I’m not that stupid, you know what I mean?

“I’ve been talking some smack, and he probably finds me annoying. Maybe that’s motivated him to train a little bit.

“Nobody wants to lose to a guy like me, that’s the reality, so that makes the victory that much greater.”

Josh Hokit: I'm not trying to stand and bang with Derrick Lewis. I'm pretty stupid, but I'm not that stupid. pic.twitter.com/qhPMUyhryv

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 12, 2026

White House fighter claims he doesn’t ‘deserve’ to be on card

Friday 12 June 2026 23:37 , Alex Pattle

Chris Daukaus, who is scheduled to fight Bo Nickal in an all-American bout on Sunday, recently told MMA Junkie he understands suggestions that he is one of the lesser name on the card.

“People are going to say what they’re want to say,” he said. “I’m not saying I deserve to be on here, which I don’t believe I do – just based off of the calibre of fighters that are on the card.

“I feel like me and Bo should at least be the first fight of the night. I don’t think we should be the second.”

More here:

UFC White House fighter claims he doesn’t ‘deserve’ to be on card

Trump says giant UFC set-up outside White House could stay forever

Friday 12 June 2026 23:29 , Alex Pattle

“Many don’t know that in Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower, 1889 it was built,” Trump said.

“It was supposed to be taken down immediately after the World’s Fair and then they said, you know, we sort of like it. Let’s leave it up a little bit longer.

“And then they said let’s leave it up longer and longer and longer. Well, they never took it down.

“And you know we’re building something in front of the White House that’s quite attractive to a lot of people,” he continued.

“It’s gonna have the big UFC fight on June 14, and I’m looking at it, and maybe we’ll never, ever take it down.”

Trump says the giant UFC arena set up outside the White House could stay up forever

Is the White House card good enough? Grading every fight

Friday 12 June 2026 23:21 , Alex Pattle

In the article below, we grade every fight scheduled for Sunday’s event, which was talked up by UFC boss Dana White as if it would be the greatest of all time... only for fans to be let down when the magch-ups were revealed.

We also give the overall event a grade, as did one commenter, who wrote:

“I rate the entire event an F- and a deep embarrassment to all decent Americans.”

Is the UFC’s White House card good enough? Grading every fight

How Secret Service will protect Trump during ‘Rating 1’ threat level at White House

Friday 12 June 2026 23:14 , Bruce Golding

Rooftop 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 weekend.

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."

Bill Gage, who led the Secret Service's Counter Assault Team at the White House from 2007 to 2013, agreed.

More here:

The Secret Service plan for ‘Rating 1’ threat level at Trump’s UFC event

Trump loves crashing sports events – thanks to the UFC, he’s got his own

Friday 12 June 2026 23:08 , Alex Pattle

Donald Trump is accustomed to mixed reactions when attending sports events. In fairness, his presence at the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals game this week did not so much draw a divisive reception as vociferous condemnation in Madison Square Garden, but he will not be too bothered.

That’s because on Sunday, it will be all cheers and no jeers.

A scarcely believable UFC fight card will play out on the White House’s South Lawn; the 4,000-odd attendees will have been carefully curated. For once, see, Trump is not crashing a sports event; he has his own.

Seven bouts will take place behind the White House, with six of them featuring American fighters and the event culminating in two world-title fights.

The event, supposedly a celebration of 250 years of the United States (but taking place on Trump’s 80th birthday), will be remarkable, for better or worse.

More on Trump’s relationship with sports events:

Trump loves crashing sports events – thanks to the UFC, he’s got his own with a twist

Don’t be fooled by the glitz of UFC White House – all is not well in Dana White’s world

Friday 12 June 2026 22:59 , Alex Pattle

When 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. Fans have complained about what they deem weaker fight cards with fewer consequential bouts; events playing out in the small and soulless UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas; and the UFC’s seemingly-lacking promotional efforts.

Full comment:

Don’t be fooled by the UFC White House glitz – all is not well in Dana White’s world

Schedule for the rest of the week

Friday 12 June 2026 22:52 , Alex Pattle

On Saturday, a fan festival will play out at the Ellipse, a large park located next to the White House. That will begin at 12.30pm PT / 2.30pm CT / 3.30pm ET (8.30pm BST).

Thereafter, the ceremonial weigh-in for the fight card will get started at 5.30pm PT / 7.30pm CT / 8.30pm ET (1.30am BST on Sunday), followed by a concert from the Zac Brown Band at 6.30pm PT / 8.30pm CT / 9.30pm ET (2.30am BST on Sunday).

Finally, the fight card itself will take place on Sunday 14 June, beginning at 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET (1am BST on Monday).

Will Trump be present? President snubs USA’s World Cup opener

Friday 12 June 2026 22:24 , Alex Pattle

Let’s see if Trump turns up tonight; one thing is for sure, the US President won’t be at his nation’s opening World Cup game.

USA play Paraguay at 9pm ET tonight / 2am BST on Saturday, with the game playing out at Los Angeles Stadium – but without the Leader of the Free World in attendance.

Why Trump will snub USA’s World Cup game – and the one sporting event he will attend

Press-conference stage construction has tourists fuming over blocked views

Friday 12 June 2026 22:17 , Alex Pattle

The fights themselves have not proven the only controversial part of this week.

Lincoln Memorial visitors were met with temporary fencing, stage lights, large monitors and crews preparing to turn the historic location into a UFC press conference site.

The National Mall was bustling with busy crews moving equipment that slightly obstructed the view of the Reflecting Pool from the top of the Lincoln Memorial stairs this week, according to photos posted online Tuesday evening.

“It’s awful,” Trudy Rumbaugh, a visitor from Vermont, told DC News Now. “It detracts from the beauty of the monuments. And it’s obstructive.”

Construction for UFC stage at Lincoln Memorial has tourists fuming

Judge rejects bid to block fights from going ahead

Friday 12 June 2026 22:11 , Alex Pattle

The big news of the day is that, as Alex Woodward writes, “the fights are on”.

A federal judge has rejected an attempt to block this weekends bouts from taking place, after a lawsuit accused the administration of a “deeply corrupt” scheme to line the pockets of his allies.

A last-minute federal lawsuit accused the Trump administration of giving the UFC “unfettered access” to turn public landmarks into profitable billboards.

UFC has committed $60m to the event, according to court filings. The event is expected to draw multi-million dollar sponsorships as well as revenue through a broadcast agreement with Paramount +, a streaming platform operated by Trump allies.

White House officials say the UFC is covering costs for the unprecedented production, but several federal agencies have “allocated significant resources and manpower”.

Welcome! UFC Freedom 250 press conference, live

Friday 12 June 2026 21:59 , Alex Pattle

Tonight, a unique press conference will take place at the Lincoln Memorial, as UFC fighters trade barbs two days before competing on the White House South Lawn.

Sunday will bring an unprecedented event, where seven fights will play out as a celebration of 250 years of the United States, but also coinciding with the 80th birthday of US President Donald Trump.

Trump is a close friend of UFC chief Dana White, who is expected to be present for this press conference, which will feature Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira and more.

Sunday’s main event sees Topuria defend the UFC lightweight title against American Gaethje, after fierce insults between the pair this week, while Pereira faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight belt in the co-main event.

Follow live updates from the “UFC Freedom 250” press conference, right here.