Gaethje Wants Trump to Present Title at UFC Freedom 250

UFC star Justin Gaethje eyes a special victory moment if he wins the lightweight title at the White House event.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:10am

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UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje has his sights set on a unique title celebration if he can defeat champion Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, which is scheduled to take place at the White House on June 14 to coincide with the United States' 250th anniversary. Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, says the fighter would want President Donald Trump himself to present the championship belt to him in the octagon should he emerge victorious.

Why it matters

The UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House is a high-profile affair meant to celebrate America's 250th birthday, and having the sitting U.S. president participate in the title presentation would add an extra layer of patriotic symbolism. However, Gaethje will have to get past the undefeated Topuria, who is considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC today.

The details

According to Abdelaziz, Gaethje's plan is to drag the champion Topuria into deep waters and utilize his knockout power to claim the title. The manager says the moment of Trump presenting the belt to Gaethje would "fit the stakes" of the occasion, which also happens to fall on the president's 80th birthday.

  • UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled for June 14, 2026.
  • The event coincides with the United States' 250th anniversary.

The players

Justin Gaethje

A top UFC lightweight contender who is challenging for the title at UFC Freedom 250.

Ilia Topuria

The reigning UFC lightweight champion, considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the promotion.

Ali Abdelaziz

Gaethje's manager, who discussed the fighter's plans for the title celebration.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who Gaethje hopes will participate in the title presentation if he wins.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who would likely be involved in the title presentation ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“You better believe it. If Justin Gaethje wins, he will ask President Trump to put the belt on him.”

— Ali Abdelaziz, Gaethje's Manager

“Everybody want Justin Gaethje to win -- the president, the UFC, everybody. This is America's birthday … and Justin Gaethje represents America.”

— Ali Abdelaziz, Gaethje's Manager

“He's one of the best fighters in the UFC today. Pound-for-pound, top guy. You cannot take that away from him.”

— Ali Abdelaziz, Gaethje's Manager

What’s next

If Gaethje defeats Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, the focus will shift to whether President Trump will agree to participate in the title presentation ceremony.

The takeaway

The potential for a Trump-Gaethje title moment at the White House adds an extra layer of patriotic drama and political intrigue to an already high-stakes UFC championship fight. However, Gaethje will first have to overcome the formidable challenge of the undefeated Topuria to make that vision a reality.