UFC is scheduled to host Freedom 250 on Sunday, June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House, featuring seven professional mixed martial arts bouts [1, 2, 3, 4]. The event will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, coincide with US President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, and Flag Day [1, 3].
The headline fight will see UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria defending his title against interim champion Justin Gaethje [1, 2, 3, 4]. The co-main event will feature Alex Pereira facing Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title [2, 3, 4]. UFC confirmed that other top fighters on the card include Sean O’Malley, Josh Hokit, Mauricio Ruffy, Bo Nickal, Michael Chandler, Diego Lopes, and Steve Garcia [2, 4].
This will be the first professional sporting event ever staged on the White House grounds and only the second outdoor fight promotion organized by UFC [3, 4]. Construction of the branded UFC octagon began in May, with a domed structure erected on the South Lawn to host the fights [1].
The UFC Freedom 250 fight card will be broadcast live starting at 8 p.m. Eastern on Paramount+ streaming service [2, 3, 4]. UFC described the occasion as "Making history once again," highlighting the event’s unique venue and significance [3].
Fans can attend related activities at The Ellipse near the White House, including two days of Fan Fest events, watch parties, live shows on June 13, and ceremonial weigh-ins at 7:30 p.m. that day, plus official weigh-ins livestreamed at 11 a.m. June 13 on UFC's YouTube channel [4]. A press conference is scheduled for June 12 at 8:15 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial [4].
However, a lawsuit has been filed seeking to halt the UFC Freedom 250 event, though the details and impact remain unclear [4].
The main card will start at 8 p.m. ET on June 14 at the White House South Lawn, marking a historic moment for MMA and sports events in the United States [2, 4].
