UFC Freedom 250: First Professional Sporting Event at White House
On June 14, 2026, the UFC held Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., marking the first professional sporting event on White House grounds. The seven-fight card, streamed on Paramount+, featured two title bouts. Justin Gaethje upset Ilia Topuria via fifth-round TKO to become lightweight champion, and Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira by second-round TKO for the interim heavyweight title. All fights ended by knockout or TKO. A lawsuit was filed to block the event.
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Gaethje stuns Topuria at White House UFC event hosted by Donald Trump
Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria after the fourth round of their UFC Freedom 250 lightweight title bout, securing a major upset outside the White House. The American bloodied the Spanish-Georgian champion with a left-right combination in the third round, leading to an extended break where doctors suggested the fight should end. Topuria's corner called for a stoppage after the fourth round. President Donald Trump, hosting the event to celebrate his 80th birthday and the nation's 250th anniversary, greeted Gaethje in the Octagon. Other results included Ciryl Gane knocking out Alex Pereira for the interim UFC heavyweight title, Sean O'Malley knocking out Aiemann Zahabi, and Bo Nickal knocking out Kyle Daukaus. The event featured seven fights on the White House South Lawn, with fighters passing through the Oval Office. The event coincided with Trump confirming a deal to end the war in Iran.
SkySports | NewsUFC Freedom 250 Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights And Reaction
UFC Freedom 250, held at the White House, featured seven fights all ending in TKO or KO. Justin Gaethje pulled a monumental upset over Ilia Topuria to become the new UFC lightweight champion, winning via fifth-round TKO after a corner stoppage. Gaethje earned both a $425,000 Performance of the Night bonus and a $400,000 Fight of the Night bonus with Topuria. In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira via second-round TKO to become a two-time interim UFC heavyweight champion, thwarting Pereira's attempt at a three-division title. Other notable results include Sean O'Malley's walk-off KO over Aieman Zahabi, Josh Hokit defeating Derrick Lewis, Mauricio Ruffy stopping Michael Chandler in the first round, Bo Nickal defeating Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes beating Steve Garcia. O'Malley also received a Performance of the Night bonus, while Lopes, Nickal, Ruffy, Hokit, and Gane earned bonuses for winning by finish.
Forbes - BusinessUFC Freedom 250 Fight Card Preview: Topuria vs Gaethje at the White House
The article previews UFC Freedom 250, a historic fight card taking place on June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington DC. The event features seven fights with two title bouts. The main event is a UFC lightweight title unification fight between undefeated champion Ilia Topuria (17-0) and interim champion Justin Gaethje (27-5). The co-main event sees former two-division champion Alex Pereira (13-3) move up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane (13-2-0-1) for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Other notable fights include Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi, Josh Hokit vs Derrick Lewis, and Michael Chandler vs Mauricio Ruffy. The event starts at 8:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+. Betting odds from BetOnline are provided for all seven fights.
Forbes - BusinessUFC Freedom 250: Fight Day Betting Odds For White House Fight Card
The UFC Freedom 250 fight card takes place on June 14, 2026, from the South Lawn of the White House, featuring seven bouts broadcast on Paramount+. The main event is a UFC lightweight title unification bout between undefeated champion Ilia Topuria (17-0) and interim champion Justin Gaethje (27-5). Topuria, who moved up from featherweight, has three consecutive knockout wins in title fights. Gaethje earned his second interim belt by defeating Paddy Pimblett in January 2026. The co-main event features former two-division champion Alex Pereira (13-3) making his heavyweight debut against former interim champion Ciryl Gane (13-2-0-1) for the interim UFC heavyweight title. The article provides opening and fight-day betting odds for all seven bouts, with significant line movement noted for several fights including Pereira vs. Gane shifting from Pereira +170 to -105.
Forbes - BusinessHow To Watch Or Stream UFC Freedom 250 White House Fight Card
The article previews UFC Freedom 250, a historic fight card scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington DC. The event features seven fights, including two title bouts. The main event is a UFC lightweight title unification fight between undefeated champion Ilia Topuria (17-0) and interim champion Justin Gaethje (27-5). The co-main event is an interim UFC heavyweight title fight between former two-division champion Alex Pereira (13-3) and former interim champion Ciryl Gane (13-2-0-1). Other notable fights include Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis, and Michael Chandler vs. Mauricio Ruffy. The event will stream live on Paramount+ starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. The article also notes a lawsuit seeking to block the event.
Forbes - BusinessUFC Freedom 250: Fight Week Schedule For White House Event
The UFC is set to make history by holding the first professional sporting event on the White House grounds, UFC Freedom 250, on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The event features seven fights on the South Lawn, including a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, and an interim heavyweight title bout between Alex Pereira and Cyril Gane. The fight week schedule includes fan events at the Lincoln Memorial and The Ellipse, a ceremonial weigh-in, and a watch party. The main card will be broadcast on Paramount+. A lawsuit has been filed to halt the event, with updates to follow.
Forbes - Business