Donald Trump welcomed several of the UFC’s biggest stars to the Oval Office on Thursday as preparations continue for the unprecedented UFC Freedom 250 card set to take place on the South Lawn next month.
Among the fighters present at the White House were Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira, and Ciryl Gane, who are expected to headline the historic event on June 14 in Washington, D.C.
During a media briefing inside the Oval Office, the US President unveiled fresh details about the event’s setup while showcasing concept visuals for the outdoor venue. The plans include a custom-built arena structure on the White House grounds featuring large-scale lighting rigs, giant screens, and a full Octagon setup directly on the South Lawn.
Trump described the event as a first-of-its-kind spectacle, with thousands expected to attend in person and tens of thousands more watching from nearby viewing areas.
The venue itself is expected to hold approximately 4,300 spectators cageside, with a strong emphasis on military guests. In addition, roughly 85,000 free tickets are expected to be distributed for fans attending the public viewing experience at Ellipse Park, located just outside the White House grounds.
One of the biggest reveals from the meeting was a special championship belt created specifically for the occasion. The custom-designed UFC Freedom 250 title prominently features the colors and styling of the American flag, marking the event as a celebration tied to the country’s 250th anniversary.
The card is expected to be headlined by Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight championship against Gaethje in a title unification bout. Pereira and Gane are also set to clash for the interim heavyweight championship in the co-main event.