President Donald Trump says UFC Freedom 250 at the White House will be the highest-rated sporting event ever and expects over 100,000 people to watch from a park across the street on giant screens.
Trump spoke to Fox News ahead of the June 14 event on the South Lawn of the White House.
“It’s right at the front door to the White House, and you’ll never see it again. It’s never happened before, and you’ll never see it again. It’s great and the UFC’s going to have all the best fighters in the world coming that night. They all say we want to fight at the White House. Dana is an amazing man, he’s done an amazing job, he’s put together something that — this will be the highest-rated event, maybe one of them ever in sports.”
Trump also addressed plans for public viewing areas surrounding the venue.
“What he’s done is amazing, I’m not sure anybody could have done it but him. You don’t usually say that but not many people could have, he’s a very special man. This is going and it’s all free. It’s going to soldiers. We’re going to have over 100,000, maybe 100,000 people in the park across the street, eight giant screens, and all free.”
UFC Freedom 250 is headlined by the lightweight title unification between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event. The event streams exclusively on Paramount+ with approximately 5,000 spectators expected on the South Lawn.
President Donald Trump purchased stock in TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC, on March 25, according to a financial disclosure filing reviewed by HuffPost. The purchase fell in a range of $15,001 to $50,000.
The filing, submitted May 12, surfaced as Trump continues to promote the UFC’s June 14 event on the White House South Lawn, billed as UFC Freedom 250. That card lands on Trump’s 80th birthday and ties into celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Trump has attended multiple UFC events across his second term and counts UFC CEO Dana White as a close friend, a relationship that dates back to 2000 when the Trump Taj Mahal hosted early UFC shows. White confirmed the White House card earlier this year, with the main event set for 8 p.m. ET on June 14.
The timing of the TKO purchase has drawn scrutiny because of that promotional overlap. Trump has bought and sold stock in numerous companies he has publicly praised or whose industries his administration regulates.
White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have previously said Trump does not personally select which stocks to buy and sell, and that his financial advisers handle those decisions. TKO Group Holdings did not respond to a request for comment from HuffPost.
TKO reported first quarter 2026 revenue of $1.597 billion, a 26 percent year-over-year increase, with the UFC and WWE driving much of that growth. The fights at the White House will stream on Paramount+, which holds exclusive UFC streaming rights under a seven-year deal.
Joe Rogan may be set to call the action at UFC Freedom 250, but the longtime commentator still has major doubts about the promotion’s ambitious White House event.
During a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan questioned whether hosting championship fights outdoors on the South Lawn is the right move, especially with unpredictable weather conditions expected in Washington, D.C., in mid-June.
“I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all,” Rogan said. “The White House thing is odd.”
One of his biggest concerns is the potential heat. The renowned podcaster noted that temperatures around the same date last year reportedly climbed close to 100 degrees, raising concerns about how fighters will perform under extreme conditions.
“That’s hot as f–k,” Rogan said while discussing the outdoor setup.
Rogan also pointed to another issue that could impact the event once the giant lighting structures are switched on.
“And then the lights… bugs,” he said. “What are you gonna do? How are you gonna stop the bugs?”
According to Rogan, world title fights should take place inside a fully controlled arena rather than in an open-air environment where heat, humidity, wind, or insects could potentially affect the outcome.
“I just don’t think you should compete in a world championship fight in a non-controlled environment,” Rogan explained. “It should be inside an air-conditioned arena.”
Despite his criticism, Rogan is still expected to work the historic card on June 14, which will feature a lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, along with an interim heavyweight title clash between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira.
Justin Gaethje has built a reputation on chaos inside the cage, but heading into the biggest fight of his career, his mindset is rooted in something much simpler — survival at the top.
Set to face Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title unification bout at the UFC’s historic White House event on June 14, Gaethje knows exactly what’s at stake. Despite multiple runs with interim gold and years spent among the elite, undisputed championship status has remained just out of reach.
Speaking to Grind City Media, “The Highlight” reflected on how he’s managed to stay in the title picture for so long, even as a new generation continues to rise.
“Honestly, I just stayed the course and I win when I need to win,” Gaethje said. “I’ve only lost to past champions or in championship fights… then I come back, I get back to work.”
The road hasn’t been easy. Gaethje believes the UFC has consistently matched him against dangerous, hungry contenders looking to take his spot.
“They’ve tried to get rid of me… I’ve held off these young up-and-comers… these guys are so hungry,” he said, referencing names like Paddy Pimblett and Rafael Fiziev.
Rather than shy away from that pressure, “The Highlight” has embraced it. In fact, he claims setbacks have only made him more dangerous.
“Coming off losses, I’m much more dangerous than I am coming off wins,” he explained, pointing to his knockout defeat to Max Holloway as a constant motivator in training.
Now 32 fights into his career, the interim UFC lightweight champion has also started thinking about the endgame. But his criteria for walking away is clear.
“When I think my younger self would beat myself now, then it would be time to call it quits,” he said.
For now, though, retirement is the last thing on his mind. Standing across from an undefeated champion in Topuria, Gaethje is preparing for yet another test against a fighter many see as the future of the division.
“I’m fighting a guy that is absolutely incredible… but I have a great coach, we’re going to have a great plan, and I’m going to change his face just like I always do,” he said.
Dana White has added another milestone to his long list of achievements, landing on the cover of TIME as the UFC prepares for one of its most ambitious events yet.
The feature arrives just weeks before the promotion stages its historic card on the White House grounds on June 14, a moment that reflects how far the organization has come under White’s leadership.
The magazine piece focuses on the UFC’s journey from a fringe spectacle to a mainstream powerhouse, while also highlighting White’s longstanding connection with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
TIME’s new cover: Dana White helped turn MMA from a fringe blood sport into a global empire through the rise of the UFC. Now, he’s bringing it to the White House’s South Lawn.
“There are some nights, I’ll get up at the end and go, ‘What the f-ck do I do for a living?’”… pic.twitter.com/qXosIuWSUW
While much of the story revisits familiar ground for longtime fans, it underscores the significance of the upcoming event in Washington, D.C., which will mark the first time the UFC hosts a fight card at such a high-profile location.
The card itself is expected to feature a lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje in the main event. In the co-main, Alex Pereira is set to move up in weight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
The TIME cover serves as another sign of the UFC’s growing cultural footprint, with the promotion now preparing to deliver one of the most unique events in combat sports history.
Early signs of history in the making are now visible at the White House.
MMA journalist Luke Thomas recently shared a birds-eye image on X showing heavy construction activity on the South Lawn, where preparations appear to be underway for the UFC’s unprecedented event.
While massive cranes can be seen dominating the backdrop, with ongoing work tied to a new State Ballroom and a multi-level underground security complex, a section of the lawn shows clear signs of staging development.
Construction has begun on the south lawn of the White House for the UFC event on Trump’s birthday.
All of it points toward UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14, which will mark the first time a professional fight card takes place on White House grounds.
The UFC is reportedly preparing to move in around 350 truckloads of equipment, with each delivery potentially taking hours due to strict White House security protocols. With no existing arena infrastructure on the South Lawn, the promotion is expected to build everything from the ground up, including power supply, broadcast facilities, locker rooms, and operational areas.
The terrain is also considered a major challenge. The South Lawn has a noticeable slope, and engineers are said to have used detailed measurements to design a raised platform system. This is expected to include large structural support, possibly even a wall on one side, to ensure a completely level surface for the Octagon.
From a visual standpoint, the setup is expected to be unlike anything the UFC has done before. Plans suggest an open-air Octagon, positioned to keep the White House as a constant backdrop, with a large “claw” lighting rig, developed with assistance from live production specialists at Tait Towers, suspended above to handle lighting and broadcast needs.
History in the making 👀
New visuals for #UFCWhiteHouse and the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest are here!
Seating is expected to be limited to around 4,000 invited guests, likely including military personnel and select VIPs, while a nearby fan zone at the Ellipse could accommodate tens of thousands of spectators for a live viewing experience.
With Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje set for a lightweight title unification bout and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane expected to clash for the interim heavyweight title, the historic card is no longer just a concept and is rapidly taking shape.
Ilia Topuria is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career, but that hasn’t stopped him from taking aim at a top contender waiting in the wings.
As “El Matador” gears up to face Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout at the UFC White House event on June 14, he has turned his attention toward Arman Tsarukyan, who is set to serve as the official backup for the main event.
Tsarukyan has built an online reputation for showcasing a lavish lifestyle, frequently posting photos of luxury cars, expensive watches, and high-end experiences. But Topuria isn’t convinced any of it reflects reality.
Speaking in an interview with Alvaro Colmenero, the reigning UFC lightweight champion didn’t hold back.
“He has the mind of a little kid,” Topuria said. “He’s a man-child who is playing a game. I think he’s playing the rich guy game. He’s neither rich nor is his father, I’m telling you. He’s just not.”
Topuria doubled down by comparing Tsarukyan’s behavior to people he considers genuinely wealthy.
“I know a huge amount of rich people, none of them, none, like not a single one of them is like that,” he said. “He’s playing a game of buying a car and sending it to Russia to resell it. And I think he’s not even rich, I’m telling you. He’s a loser.”
Despite the harsh criticism, Tsarukyan’s performances inside the cage continue to speak for themselves. The 29-year-old Armenian has been on a strong run, stacking multiple wins and positioning himself near the top of the division.
Still, “El Matador” appears skeptical that Tsarukyan is eager to face him if the opportunity arises, even with his role as the designated backup for the June 14 headliner.
Dustin Poirier says Justin Gaethje’s best chance against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 is to force chaos rather than trying to match the champion’s technical precision.
Gaethje holds the interim UFC Lightweight Championship and faces Topuria in a unification bout on June 14 at the White House. Poirier, who has fought both men, told UFC on Paramount+ that the stylistic matchup favors Topuria if the fight stays clean.
“It’s not that I’m rooting against him or anything, I just think it’s a tough stylistic matchup for him. If he’s loose with the big punches he throws, Ilia is so tight, combinations are short and clean. Gaethje just has to clean it up a little bit and like I said in the past, Gaethje has said this leading up to fights, ‘I have to be perfect.’ This fight he has to be perfect because Topuria is so dangerous.”
Poirier identified Gaethje’s leg kicks as a key weapon but warned they need to be set up properly.
“He tore my legs up. He tore Chandler’s. He’s done it to a lot of people. Everything he throws is 100 percent. He can knock him out if he can get Ilia to brawl. But he has to set up those leg kicks. He can’t throw them dry, like empty leg kicks like that. He has to throw punches and finish combinations with leg kicks. Ilia’s too sharp to just throw single legs. He’s going to get counterpunched.”
Poirier concluded that Gaethje needs disorder to land his shot.
“There’s not enough time technically for him to sharpen up and outbox, outpoint Ilia on the feet. He needs it to be chaos, he needs it to be a brawl, and he needs to land that shot. I don’t know if he wins, but that’s his best chance.”
Dana White says an unexpected bug problem at the White House could create real issues for fighters competing at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, and he is already working on solutions.
White visited the White House recently when President Trump invited him to dinner at the newly opened Rose Garden, and the gnat situation he encountered immediately triggered concern about the outdoor event.
Speaking to Boardroom, White described what he saw.
“Another problem that I always think about, especially on the East coast: bugs. So President Trump just opened The Rose Garden two nights ago. He invited me to dinner there. The amount of gnats that are flying around, I’m like, ‘Holy sh*t.’ As soon as I got on the plane, I got on the phone with my head of production and said, ‘Yeah, let me tell you about the gnat situation tonight.’ When you’re a fighter, think about that lighting grid and the claw we’re going to have and the amount of power in the lights. Moths, gnats, and God knows what else, fighters trying to deal with that.”
White reached out to UFC executive producer Craig Borsari immediately and has already begun brainstorming possible fixes.
“In your mouth, in your nose while you’re trying to fight. I was telling Craig, my head of production, I’m like, ‘Maybe we put fans in, because gnats have a bad time in the wind.’ I don’t know. These are all the little details we have to think about. That’s why I don’t like fighting outside ever.”
UFC Freedom 250 takes place on the South Lawn of the White House with approximately 4,000 attendees expected. The card is headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout.
Sean O’Malley is never one to shy away from speaking his mind, and this time his target is the UFC’s newly unveiled fight kits for the upcoming White House card.
Set to compete at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 in Washington, D.C., O’Malley will face Aiemann Zahabi in a high-profile bantamweight clash. But ahead of the historic event, the former champion has taken issue with the gear he’s expected to wear.
“I don’t know if I’m even supposed to say this, but they’re ugly,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “Mine were ugly. I don’t like them.”
Known for his colorful style and preference for standout looks, O’Malley also pointed out that the design doesn’t reflect his personality.
“They’re not pink, which is fine… I’ll make my f*cking hair pink, whatever,” he said. “But I’m just like… did they go on Fiverr and say, ‘Hey, you know, we got these guys getting into a fight on the White House lawn? Can you just come up with something?’”
Despite his criticism, O’Malley isn’t letting the wardrobe choice distract him from the fight itself. In fact, he believes the white shorts could add a different kind of visual impact once the action begins.
“I do truly believe I’m gonna crack Aiemann,” O’Malley said. “I think I’m gonna beat the f*ck out of him… I’m excited for my white shorts to be red. Like, I want to see how red I can get my white shorts from his blood.”
“Suga” enters the bout following a win over Song Yadong at UFC 324 in January, looking to build momentum after setbacks in his title pursuits.
UFC Freedom 250 continues to lean heavily into its patriotic theme after the promotion officially unveiled the event’s custom fight kits ahead of the historic June 14 card in Washington, D.C.
Created in partnership with Venum, the specially designed uniforms feature a bold red, white, and blue color palette inspired by the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration. The kits also prominently include White House-inspired branding and commemorative USA 250 patches, further tying the event to the unprecedented setting on the South Lawn.
According to promotional details released alongside the reveal, the gear was designed to reflect what the UFC described as “the American fighting spirit” while commemorating one of the most unique events in combat sports history.
🚨 First look at the UFC White House fight kits just dropped 👀
UFC Freedom 250 Fight Kits Feature Special White House Branding
Unlike standard UFC apparel, the Freedom 250 kits include exclusive details created specifically for the event, including collaboration branding involving the White House, Fanatics, and America250.
The custom uniforms are expected to be worn throughout fight week festivities and during the event itself, which will take place at a temporary outdoor arena being built on White House grounds.
Fans will also be able to purchase the limited-edition kits online through UFC Store, Venum, and Fanatics, while additional merchandise locations will reportedly be available throughout Washington during fight week festivities.
The UFC has also already revealed a special one-off championship belt for the card featuring heavy American flag themes and patriotic detailing designed specifically for the White House event.
The UFC Freedom 250 event itself is shaping up to be one of the biggest cards of the year.
In the main event, Ilia Topuria is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje. Meanwhile, Alex Pereira will move up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship in the co-main event.
The UFC held its first press conference for UFC Freedom 250 on Friday in Newark, New Jersey, with all 14 fighters on the June 14 White House card in attendance and face-offs between the main and co-main event competitors taking center stage.
Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje headlined the staredowns as they prepare for their title unification bout, which will determine the undisputed lightweight champion. Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane also faced off ahead of their interim heavyweight title fight in the co-main event.
Twelve of the 14 fighters participated in staredowns at the press conference itself. The main and co-main event fighters had previously faced off earlier in the week during a promotional appearance on the White House lawn, making Friday’s event a second look at the matchups that will headline the historic card.
UFC Freedom 250’s press conference in Newark completely descended into chaos after heavyweight contender Josh Hokit launched into an explosive tirade aimed at multiple fighters on stage before security was forced to remove him from the event.
The press conference, held Friday at the Prudential Center ahead of the historic White House card on June 14, initially followed the usual format as fighters answered questions. But things spiraled once Hokit grabbed the microphone.
The outspoken heavyweight, who is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, first began directing trash talk toward Alex Pereira. “Poatan”, however, appeared largely unfazed by the comments and barely reacted as Hokit attempted to provoke him.
As Hokit continued ranting, Ilia Topuria interrupted from his seat, which immediately sent the situation into chaos.
“I’m gonna Chama on yo mama,” Hokit shouted while pointing toward Pereira. “Look how I speak to him, like my dog, like my b*tch. F*uck you.”
“El Matador” immediately fired back from his seat.
“F*ck you, little b*tch. Sit down,” the reiging lightweight champion responded.
Security Forced To Intervene After Josh Hokit And Ilia Topuria Nearly Clash
Instead of backing down, Hokit continued jawing at Topuria and pushed the confrontation even further.
“Ilia Topuria you shouldn’t find your wife in Miami,” Hokit yelled, triggering an immediate reaction inside the room.
The two fighters quickly rose from their seats and came face-to-face before security rushed in to separate them. Multiple guards surrounded the stage as tensions escalated, eventually escorting Hokit out before the press conference could completely unravel.
The heavyweight contender was removed so abruptly that he never even got the opportunity to face off with Lewis afterward.
UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled to take place on June 14 in Washington, D.C., with Topuria set to headline the event against Justin Gaethje while Pereira faces Ciryl Gane in the co-main event for the interim heavyweight championship.
Henry Cejudo believes Alex Pereira is already building one of the greatest résumés in UFC history, but he still isn’t ready to place “Poatan” at the very top of the all-time list.
During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cejudo and Kamaru Usman discussed what the Brazilian’s legacy could look like if he defeats Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC White House on June 14.
A victory would potentially make Pereira the first fighter in UFC history to capture championships across three different weight classes after previously winning titles at middleweight and light heavyweight.
Despite acknowledging the magnitude of that achievement, “Triple C” stopped short of calling Pereira the greatest fighter ever.
“He’s in the top 5 greatest of all time,” Cejudo said.
Henry Cejudo Questions Alex Pereira’s Path To UFC titles
When Usman pushed back and suggested that becoming a three-division champion should automatically place Pereira at No. 1, Cejudo argued that Pereira’s road to championship opportunities differs from many of the sport’s legendary figures.
“No, because there’s a big difference because he was kind of pushed to the title at 185,” Cejudo said. “He was pushed to the title at light heavyweight. And now he’s being pushed to the title.”
“It’s different when you actually run through the weight class like you did, like Jon Jones did, that sh*t is f*cking hard,” he continued. “Now, if you’re able to do that, go up, run through the next one, go up, run through that next one, that’s a big difference. I’m not hating, I’m just telling the truth.”
Still, Pereira’s accomplishments since joining the UFC have been remarkable.
After arriving from kickboxing in 2021, “Poatan” rapidly climbed through the middleweight division before knocking out Israel Adesanya to win the 185-pound title. He later moved to light heavyweight, where he captured another championship and scored high-profile victories over fighters such as Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev, and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Alexander Volkov isn’t fully convinced that Alex Pereira’s highly anticipated move to heavyweight will go as smoothly as many fans expect.
The former two-division champion is set to make his heavyweight debut on June 14 at UFC Freedom Fights 250, where he’ll face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship while undisputed titleholder Tom Aspinall continues recovering from an eye injury.
While much of the MMA world has rallied behind the Brazilian’s pursuit of a third UFC title in a new division, Volkov believes Gane’s style could create serious problems for “Poatan.”
Speaking during UFC 328 media day in Newark, “Drago” explained why he currently favors the French heavyweight in the matchup.
“Honestly, Ciryl is more favorite right now,” Volkov said. “He has really great footwork. I respect Alex Pereira and his power, but I don’t know how he will show up in the heavyweight division, and I don’t know how he will do with Ciryl Gane’s style in the octagon
Alexander Volkov Questions Whether Alex Pereira Can Solve Ciryl Gane’s Movement
Volkov pointed specifically to Gane’s mobility and movement-heavy striking approach as a potential nightmare matchup for Pereira.
“Because Pereira needs to pressure the guy and work on counterattacks, and Ciryl Gane don’t give him the opportunity,” Volkov said. “He just punches and kicks and moves a lot. It’s a hard thing for Alex Pereira to solve in the fight. I’m not sure he can do this.”
Volkov’s opinion carries weight, given his own history with Gane. The Russian heavyweight fought the former interim champion back in 2024 and lost a razor-close split decision, many observers felt could have gone the other way.
Outside of that defeat, Volkov has quietly built one of the strongest recent runs in the heavyweight division, winning five of his last six fights heading into his UFC 328 clash with Waldo Cortes-Acosta this weekend.
Arman Tsarukyan officially has a major assignment lined up for the UFC’s historic White House card.
During a recent appearance on Nina Marie Daniele’s stream, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan will serve as the official backup fighter for the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
🚨 Dana White just announced that Arman Tsarukyan is the OFFICIAL backup fighter for Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje at the White House 👀
The event, scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., is expected to be one of the most ambitious productions in UFC history. The card will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and is set to feature a custom-built outdoor arena with thousands of attendees on site, including military personnel and invited guests.
With the main event carrying massive stakes, the UFC appears determined to avoid any last-minute complications by securing one of the division’s top contenders as a replacement option.
BREAKING NEWS: Dana White just announced Arman Tsarukyan is backup fighter for Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje at the White House
Arman Tsarukyan Remains Ready While Waiting For UFC Return
Although Tsarukyan has not competed inside the Octagon since defeating Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November, the Armenian contender has remained highly active outside traditional MMA competition.
The No. 2-ranked lightweight has recently focused on grappling and wrestling, competing at multiple RAF events while staying in fighting shape. Most recently, he picked up a technical fall victory over former UFC champion Urijah Faber at RAF 08.
Tsarukyan is also scheduled to compete again later this month against influencer wrestler Mugzy at RAF 09 before appearing at another RAF event in June featuring Tony Ferguson.
Arman Tsarukyan has ANOTHER RAF booking.
He’s already scheduled to compete on May 30, and now he’s just booked a June 13 matchup against Tony Ferguson.
Despite the outside commitments, Tsarukyan has consistently made it clear that his priority remains the UFC lightweight title picture. He had previously volunteered to serve as a backup for major championship fights, including last year’s UFC 317 main event.
Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane came face-to-face for the first time at the White House ahead of their upcoming clash at UFC Freedom 250.
The staredown took place directly on the South Lawn on Wednesday, the same location where the two are expected to compete on June 14 in Washington, D.C. “Poatan” is set to challenge Gane for the interim heavyweight championship in a fight that could make him the first athlete in UFC history to capture titles across three different weight classes.
Images and footage from the faceoff quickly spread online after Pereira’s longtime coach and former UFC champion Glover Teixeira shared clips from the meeting on social media.
The White House appearance wasn’t limited to the co-main event fighters. Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, who are expected to headline the card in a lightweight title unification bout, were also present in Washington as part of the promotional activities surrounding the historic event.
🚨 Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane just faced off for the first time on the White House lawn 👀
The event itself is expected to transform the South Lawn into a temporary outdoor arena featuring a custom-built setup, large viewing screens, and seating for thousands of attendees. Additional fans are expected to gather at Ellipse Park nearby, where tens of thousands of free viewing tickets are planned to be distributed.
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.
Gearing up for battle on the South Lawn. 👊🇺🇸
President Trump meets with Alex Pereira, Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje and Ciryl Gane in the Oval Office ahead of their fights at UFC Freedom 250 in June. pic.twitter.com/DsPcYiGM1o
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.
A shooting near the White House on Monday has placed renewed focus on security planning ahead of the UFC’s upcoming event on the South Lawn.
According to the Secret Service, an armed individual was shot by law enforcement following a confrontation near the Washington Monument, just a few blocks from the White House complex. The incident prompted a brief lockdown, with reporters escorted inside as authorities responded.
White House locked down after nearby officer-involved shooting
A bystander was also struck, while emergency crews transported at least one individual to the hospital. No injuries were reported within the White House itself, and scheduled activities continued.
The development comes just over a month before UFC Freedom 250, a first-of-its-kind event scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C. The UFC plans to stage the card inside a custom-built structure on the South Lawn, with approximately 4,300 attendees expected, the majority of them military personnel.
Meanwhile, up to 85,000 fans are set to gather at the nearby Ellipse, where large screens, stages, and fan activations will be set up for public viewing.
Dana White says there will be 4,300 people at the #UFCWhiteHouse event and most of them will be military.
Given the scale and high-profile location, security has already been a central component of planning. UFC CEO Dana White previously confirmed coordination with military officials, who will monitor conditions closely in the lead-up to the event. White has also acknowledged the unpredictability of outdoor hosting, noting that the start time could be adjusted based on conditions during fight week.
At this stage, there is no indication that Monday’s incident will impact the UFC card. However, it highlights the level of logistical and security coordination required for an event of this scale at one of the most closely monitored locations in the United States.
The fight card is set to be headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira taking on Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event, alongside five additional bouts scheduled for the card.
Dana White has pushed back strongly against claims that the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 card carries any political agenda, insisting the historic event is meant to celebrate the United States rather than promote any ideology.
The one-of-a-kind event is scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House, marking a centerpiece attraction for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Dana White Shuts Down Political Narrative Around UFC White House Card
Speaking during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the UFC CEO addressed the growing perception that the event is politically driven.
“One of the myths that I would like to crush is I don’t care if you’re far right, far left, right down the middle… this isn’t about politics,” White said.
“This is about the United States, what this country is about, how it was built, where we all came from.”
White also emphasized that the UFC is fully funding the event, shutting down any concerns about public spending.
“We’re paying the entire bill on all of this… Not one tax dollar will go into this. This is the UFC’s gift for the 250th birthday of America.”
Despite the political figures expected to be in attendance, including Trump himself, the UFC head honcho maintains that the setting does not change the purpose of the event.
“It has nothing to do with politics. We just happen to be on the White House lawn, and the President will be there.”
Stacked Fight Lineup Set For Historic Night In Washington
Beyond the controversy, UFC Freedom 250 is shaping up to be one of the most unique events in the promotion’s history. The card is expected to feature seven fights, headlined by a lightweight title unification bout, as reigning champion Ilia Topuria faces interim titleholder Justin Gaethje.
Meanwhile, the co-main event will include an interim heavyweight title clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
The event will take place inside a custom-built structure on the White House lawn, with the UFC investing heavily to ensure a unique viewing experience that incorporates the iconic backdrop.
Chael Sonnen has weighed in on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jon Jones, backing Dana White’s decision to keep the former two-division champion off the highly anticipated UFC Freedom 250 card.
“Bones” once again stirred confusion over the weekend after indicating he would remain retired, before quickly reversing course a day later. The latest flip-flop has only added to a long pattern of indecision, and Sonnen made it clear he’s had enough.
Chael Sonnen Questions Jon Jones’ Reliability Amid Retirement Flip-Flops
Sonnen recently criticized Jones’ back-and-forth stance on social media, arguing that inconsistency at that level damages trust.
“Jon Jones publicly retired on Friday, which is enough, per the rules, to have yourself removed from the testing pool,” Sonnen said. “Jon Jones, on Saturday, came back and said he is not officially retired, which, per the rules, is enough to reinsert yourself into the testing pool.”
“The Bad Guy” didn’t stop there, raising a deeper concern about credibility.
“When you put out a statement on Friday and the exact opposite statement on Saturday, there is a simple question… what good is your word?”
Sonnen emphasized that being a champion requires more than just skill inside the cage.
“If you’re the baddest dude in the world and you’re going to be the world champion, you’ve got to be a man. And nobody’s going to mistake you for a man… if they can’t trust you.”
Chael Sonnen Backs Dana White’s Decision To Leave Jon Jones Off UFC White House Card
The former title challenger also agreed with the UFC CEO’s stance on not booking “Bones” for the high-profile White House event set for June 14, pointing to his unpredictability as a major issue.
“When we end up in a situation like this with Jon, where he’s in and he’s out… you can’t count on a guy like that,” Sonnen said on YouTube. “From what we’ve been told, the entire knock on Jon, and why he didn’t get on the White House card, is because they couldn’t count on him.”
According to Sonnen, this inconsistency has followed Jones for years and continues to impact how the UFC does business with him.
“It creates a very unusual and difficult position,” he added. “You can’t count on him. When he shows up, is it fun? Sure, but you know the result ahead of time. It’s very difficult.”
Sonnen even contrasted Jones’ situation with UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, highlighting the respect that comes with certainty.
“That’s not how men talk,” Sonnen said. “There was never a doubt when Khabib said, ‘I’m done’… we knew that his word meant something.”
Despite the previous announcement that there will be six fights for the UFC Freedom 250 card, a seventh has been added tonight after the UFC 327 performance of Josh Hokit.
In an announcement posted to social media during the event, UFC CEO and President Dana White announced that Hokit will compete on the UFC Freedom 250 card, taking on Derrick Lewis.
🚨 BREAKING:
DANA WHITE JUST ADDED DERRICK LEWIS VS JOSH HOKIT TO THE UFC WHITE HOUSE CARD!
Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit Added To UFC Freedom 250 At White House
Hokit competed in just his third UFC bout during UFC 327, going toe-to-toe with Curtis Blaydes. The two put on a bloody heavyweight slugfest, with the two wobbling one another throughout. Hokit landed the more effective strikes and got the win via decision.
Hokit, a former NFL player, won a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. He then scored first-round finishes of Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman in his first two UFC fights.
Lewis is 3-2 in his last five. He’ll enter this fight off a loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324.
With U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance at UFC 327 in Miami, the UFC released the first video promo for the UFC Freedom 250 event that takes place on June 14.
The promo included a first glance at the setup for how the UFC “arena” will look like on the White House lawn. The Octagon can be seen in the middle of the stage, surrounded by seats on all sides, under a pair of Americana-decorated arches.
The video has the arena appear to overtake a significant area of the White House front lawn.
UFC Release First Promo Video, Stage Look For UFC Freedom 250 At The White House
UFC Freedom 250 will be headlined by Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje battling to determine the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.
The co-main event will see Alex Pereira move up to heavyweight to take on Ciryl Gane in an interim UFC heavyweight title fight. With a win, Pereira will become the first fighter in UFC history to claim UFC titles in three different weight divisions.
UFC Freedom 250 will consist of six fights and begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT on June 14, which is a Sunday. June 14 is Flag Day and the 80th birthday of President Trump. The event is being held as part of the celebrations for the Semiquincentennial of the United States.
UFC Freedom 250 will also feature Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia.
The UFC’s biggest card of the year now finds itself in jeopardy of going unsanctioned.
The MMA promotion has announced a historic event, UFC Freedom 250, set for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. The event serves as a symbolic tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
The event is set to feature a blockbuster championship doubleheader. In the main event, reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will put his title on the line against interim titleholder Justin Gaethje in an unification clash.
Meanwhile, the co-main event will see light heavyweight king Alex Pereira move up a division to square off against Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
However, UFC Freedom 250 is now under intense scrutiny from the District of Columbia Combat Sports Commission regarding its regulatory status.
UFC Freedom 250 Could Go Down As Unsanctioned, Warns DC Commission
The central issue is jurisdictional. The White House sits on federal land, which places it outside the regulatory authority of any city or state athletic commission.
The UFC has informed the D.C. Combat Sports Commission that it does not intend to obtain the required permit, citing the site’s federal designation as grounds for bypassing the standard licensing and oversight process.
During a recent interview with The Washington Post, commission chair Andrew Huff revealed that the UFC considers the $100 permit unnecessary, arguing the event is “taking place on federal land.” He is not directly challenging the promotion’s legal reasoning, but rather the precedent it could set.
Huff’s concern is that it may allow any promoter, not just the UFC, to stage events on federal property and bypass athletic commission oversight altogether.
This raises the possibility that smaller or less credible promotions could exploit the same loophole to stage dangerous mismatches, license fighters who might not pass proper medical clearance, and operate without essential safety measures simply by hosting events on federal property such as a national park or government complex, beyond the reach of state oversight.
The UFC has dealt with similar scenarios in the past. When hosting events in regions without established athletic commissions, including parts of the Middle East, the promotion has relied on its own internal oversight, complete with medical teams and safety protocols.
By most accounts, that system has operated responsibly. However, Huff’s concern is not centered on the UFC’s track record. The real issue, he argues, is the regulatory gap itself, one that does not distinguish between responsible promoters and those who may cut corners.
What “Unsanctioned” Means For Fighters On UFC Freedom 250 Card
Without official sanction, any bouts held on the South Lawn would be classified as non-regulated bouts (NRBs) and would carry no official recognition from athletic commissions. As a result, wins and losses would not be reflected on fighters’ professional records.
That means Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje could headline what has been billed as one of the most historic events in UFC history and still walk away with nothing to show for it on paper, a significant complication for title unification and long-term legacy record keeping.
The UFC has yet to publicly respond to the commission’s statements. With the event roughly 90 days away, the regulatory standoff remains unresolved.
In 2013, Alex Pereira attended a UFC event in São Paulo from the nosebleed section — sitting so high up, he says, he was “almost hitting my head on the ceiling.” On June 14, 2026, he headlines the UFC Freedom 250 event on the lawn of the White House.
That moment came up during a wide-ranging conversation on The Ariel Helwani Show, where Pereira sat down for one of the most personal interviews of his career — touching on poverty, family, charity, and a decade-long journey from a tire shop in Brazil to one of the biggest events in combat sports history.
“Thirteen years later — 2013, you’re up there trying not to bang your head on the ceiling, and now you’re headlining the White House. It’s a movie scene.”
Grounded by Where He Came From
Despite his transformation into one of the UFC’s biggest stars, Pereira still regularly returns to the borracharia — the tire shop in Brazil where he worked before his fighting career took hold. The visits aren’t nostalgic; they’re intentional.
“Those guys are my friends. It keeps me grounded to see where I came from. Those guys were very important for my life. Even with what I have, they’re still happy for me — and it’s good for me to go there and learn more about life. It’s important for me not to forget where I came from. Many people start doing well in life and just get too big for their head and disappear.”
Pereira worked at the tire shop until around 2016. He said the version of himself who worked there “never imagined the White House. I didn’t even imagine I’d make a living from fighting — until ten years ago, or more.”
UFC Changed Everything
Pereira was honest about the financial reality of his kickboxing years. His Glory run was successful enough to buy a house for his parents and an apartment for himself — but he always knew it wasn’t fully sustainable long-term.
“The reality of my life really changed once I joined the UFC. Now family is set up.”
That security now extends to his father. ‘Poatan’ recently gave him a golf cart for his gated community — a deliberate choice, as he doesn’t want his father navigating public roads. The reaction caught him off guard.
“My father always wanted to have a car and he could never have one. A few years ago he bought a little old car, drove a little bit, had a few scrapes — and had to sell it to buy stuff for the house. So now I gave him a nice golf cart. He cried. I had never seen my father cry before.”
From the Tire Shop to the White House
Pereira described the White House booking as something that came to him — not something he lobbied for. He is aware of its magnitude.
“I see how many people were trying to get on the card, everybody talking about it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a unique event everybody wants to be part of. And I’m gifted to be part of it.”
He fights Ciryl Gane in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 for the interim heavyweight title. A win would make him the first fighter in UFC history to hold championships in three different weight classes — capping a journey that, by any measure, nobody saw coming when he was fixing tires in São Paulo.
Pereira also founded Instituto Poatan, a free youth combat sports institute in his hometown that has enrolled more than 400 children and served over 800 since it opened — part of a giving-back philosophy rooted in his own family’s experience receiving food donations during hard times. More at @institutopotan on Instagram.
