In a historic partnership between combat sports and American political heritage, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to host UFC Freedom 250 at the USA’s highest seat of power, the White House.
Scheduled for June 14, coinciding with Flag Day and in the lead-up to the nation’s 250th anniversary, this event marks the first time a professional mixed martial arts cage has been erected within the grounds of the storied residence.
A temporary, state-of-the-art arena is being constructed to accommodate a select crowd of 4,300, with a significant portion of the seating reserved for active-duty military personnel and veterans.
The main event features a clash of titans as featherweight champion Ilia Topuria moves up to lightweight to challenge BMF champion Justin Gaethje.
Topuria’s technical boxing and elite grappling will be tested against Gaethje’s durability and concussive leg kicks.
A lightweight title fight between undisputed champion Ilia Topuria (in pic) and interim title holder Justin Gaethje will serve as the main event. | Photo Credit: AP
A lightweight title fight between undisputed champion Ilia Topuria (in pic) and interim title holder Justin Gaethje will serve as the main event. | Photo Credit: AP
Gaethje, known for his “all-or-nothing” wars, says fighting at the White House is the pinnacle of his career.
The co-main event offers a massive heavyweight clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. The interim title has been introduced following an injury to current champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall has been out of action since October 2025, after a title defence that ended in a no-contest due to repeated eye pokes. The severity of the injury required double eye surgery, leaving the division without an active champion during his recovery.
The bout between Pereira and Gane is a battle of contrasts: Pereira’s terrifying “stone hands” against Gane’s fluid, kickboxing-based movement.
Adding to the spectacle, the UFC is breaking traditional protocol. Fighters will reportedly walk out from the North Portico, while a live orchestra will replace standard recorded entrance music to suit the setting.
Beyond the fans inside the White House premises, the promotion has also organised a “Fan Zone” for over 80,000 spectators.
Hattrick for Prates
Carlos Prates solidified his status as a legitimate welterweight threat with a clinical third-round stoppage of former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night Perth. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Carlos Prates solidified his status as a legitimate welterweight threat with a clinical third-round stoppage of former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night Perth. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Carlos Prates solidified his status as a legitimate welterweight threat with a clinical third-round stoppage of former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night Perth.
Competing in his opponent’s backyard, Prates dismantled the local favourite using a diverse arsenal of strikes that left Della Maddalena bruised and bloodied.
The Brazilian’s technical precision defined the fight. After a competitive opening round, Prates took control in the second, opening a significant gash above Della Maddalena’s right eye and punishing his lead leg.
The end came at 3:17 of the third round, when a brutal calf kick sent the Australian crashing to the canvas. Prates swarmed immediately, forcing referee Mike Beltran to intervene as a flurry of punches and elbows sealed the victory.
This dominant performance likely puts Prates on a collision course with current champion Islam Makhachev.
In the co-main event, rising Australian star Quillan Salkilld continued his meteoric ascent. Salkilld needed less than four minutes to dispatch veteran Beneil Dariush, landing a thunderous right hook that led to a first-round TKO. The win moves the Contender Series graduate to 5-0 in the UFC, further cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the lightweight division.
Published on May 08, 2026