UFC Announces Full Card for White House Event

The 'UFC Freedom 250' event will feature top fighters competing just steps from the Oval Office.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The UFC has released the full fight card for its upcoming 'UFC Freedom 250' event, which will take place on the White House grounds on June 14 to coincide with President Trump's 80th birthday. The event will feature six prime-time fights, including a main event lightweight bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Other notable matchups include Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane, Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, and Michael Chandler vs. Mauricio Ruffy.

Why it matters

This unprecedented UFC event at the White House is part of a series of major sporting and patriotic events planned during President Trump's second term, including the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics. The event is expected to draw significant attention and interest.

The details

The 'UFC Freedom 250' event will take place on the South Lawn of the White House, with an Octagon constructed specifically for the occasion. In addition to the six prime-time fights, the event will feature fighter weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial and various fan activities across the National Mall, as well as fireworks and light shows.

  • The event is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026 to coincide with President Trump's 80th birthday.
  • The event was first announced by the president last fall.

The players

Ilia Topuria

A lightweight fighter who will compete in the main event against Justin Gaethje.

Justin Gaethje

A lightweight fighter who will compete in the main event against Ilia Topuria.

Alex Pereira

A Brazilian fighter who will compete on the undercard against Ciryl Gane.

Ciryl Gane

A French fighter who will compete on the undercard against Alex Pereira.

Sean O'Malley

An American fighter who will take on Canada's Aiemann Zahabi.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This event is a true patriotic celebration and we're honored to bring the UFC to the White House grounds.”

— Dana White, UFC President (The Hill)

What’s next

The White House has said that the event is expected to include fireworks, light shows, and various fan activities across the National Mall in addition to the fights.

The takeaway

The 'UFC Freedom 250' event at the White House represents an unprecedented collaboration between the UFC and the U.S. government, showcasing the sport's growing mainstream appeal and the administration's efforts to host major sporting events during the president's second term.