The UFC is set to make history with its upcoming event, UFC Freedom 250, scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026. This landmark event is part of the celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary and marks the first time a major professional combat sports event will be held on the White House grounds.
Promoted by UFC CEO Dana White and President Donald Trump, the event is expected to attract thousands of spectators. The main card will feature two championship bouts, including a lightweight title unification fight between UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje. Topuria, known as one of the sport’s fastest-rising champions, will face Gaethje, a veteran recognized for his aggressive fighting style.
The second championship bout will be for the interim heavyweight title, featuring former light heavyweight and middleweight champion Alex Pereira against former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. This fight has garnered significant attention as Pereira aims to become the UFC’s first three-division champion if he emerges victorious. The current heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, is unable to compete due to recovery from eye surgery.
In addition to the championship fights, the card will include former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley facing Aiemann Zahabi. Other notable matchups include Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis, Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia.
How to Watch
The preliminary fights will begin at 4 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, June 14, and will be available on Paramount+. The Main Card is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Eastern, also on Paramount+.
UFC CEO Dana White has described the event as a landmark occasion for the organization, highlighting its significance in the context of the nation’s milestone anniversary.
Original reporting: THV11 Little Rock — read the source article.
