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UFC Star Ilia Topuria Set to Headline UFC White House Event
Lightweight champion Topuria to face interim champ Justin Gaethje in main event of historic fight card
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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The UFC is planning a special event at the White House on June 14, with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria set to headline the card against interim champion Justin Gaethje. The event, dubbed 'UFC White House', is expected to have 3,000-4,000 fans in attendance on the South Lawn. Topuria, one of the UFC's biggest stars, has been riding a wave of momentum after knocking out several top contenders in recent fights. The co-main event is expected to feature a women's superfight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, provided Harrison is cleared to compete following neck surgery.
Why it matters
The UFC White House event represents a significant milestone for the promotion, as it will be held on the grounds of the White House itself. The card is being positioned as a major patriotic spectacle, with Topuria's Spanish heritage adding an interesting wrinkle given the historical connection between Spain and the United States. The event also showcases the UFC's ability to attract mainstream attention and high-profile venues.
The details
The UFC White House card is expected to feature six or seven fights, with Topuria vs. Gaethje as the main event. Topuria, the reigning lightweight champion, has emerged as one of the UFC's biggest stars after knocking out several top contenders including Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. Gaethje, the interim champion, earned his title shot by defeating an opponent last month. The co-main event is expected to be a women's superfight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, provided Harrison is cleared to compete following neck surgery.
- The UFC White House event is scheduled for June 14, 2026.
- Topuria won the UFC lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in October 2025.
The players
Ilia Topuria
The reigning UFC lightweight champion, Topuria has emerged as one of the promotion's biggest stars after knocking out several top contenders in recent fights.
Justin Gaethje
The interim UFC lightweight champion, Gaethje earned his title shot by defeating an opponent last month.
Kayla Harrison
A two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, Harrison is expected to face Amanda Nunes in a women's superfight at UFC White House, provided she is cleared to compete following neck surgery.
Amanda Nunes
Considered the GOAT of women's MMA, Nunes is expected to face Kayla Harrison in a highly anticipated superfight at UFC White House.
Conor McGregor
The former UFC champion is rumored to be included on the UFC White House card in a swing bout, potentially against a lesser-known opponent.
What’s next
The judge in Topuria's recent divorce and custody battle will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail, which could impact his preparation for the UFC White House main event.
The takeaway
The UFC White House event represents a bold and patriotic move by the promotion, with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria set to headline the historic card against interim champ Justin Gaethje. Topuria's rise to stardom, combined with the potential co-main event between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, promises to make this a must-see event for MMA fans.
