The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to host an unprecedented event at the White House, staging a series of fights to commemorate 250 years of the United States. The UFC's octagon is being assembled on the South Lawn, where seven bouts will take place on June 14, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
When is the UFC White House event?
The event, officially named 'UFC Freedom 250', is scheduled for Sunday, June 14. The fights are set to begin at 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET, which translates to 1am BST on Monday.
How can I watch it?
Specific broadcasting details have not yet been confirmed, but Ari Emanuel, CEO of the UFC's ownership group TKO, indicated in April that the event would be available on CBS and Paramount+. Since January, the UFC's fight cards have been streaming live on Paramount+, with CBS also airing segments of selected events.
Who is fighting?
The fight card is subject to change. The confirmed bouts include:
- Ilia Topuria (C) vs Justin Gaethje – lightweight title fight
- Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane – interim heavyweight title fight
- Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi – bantamweight contest
- Derrick Lewis vs Josh Hokit – heavyweight bout
- Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler – lightweight match
- Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus – middleweight fight
- Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia – featherweight clash
Who can attend? Can I get a ticket?
There will be no general admission for the White House fights, which are expected to be invite-only. However, fans can apply for free tickets to watch the fights from the Ellipse park, adjacent to the White House. Dana White, the UFC president, stated in May that President Trump wants the event to be primarily for the military, with 4,300 attendees, most of whom will be service members. Additionally, approximately 85,000 free tickets will be made available for the Ellipse, where large screens will broadcast the fights.
What other events will take place that week?
A press conference is scheduled for Friday, June 12 at the Lincoln Memorial, starting at 5:30pm PT / 7:30pm CT / 8:30pm ET (1:30am BST on Saturday). On Saturday, June 13, a fan festival will be held at the Ellipse from 12:30pm PT / 2:30pm CT / 3:30pm ET (8:30pm BST). The ceremonial weigh-in will follow at 5:30pm PT / 7:30pm CT / 8:30pm ET (1:30am BST on Sunday), with a concert by the Zac Brown Band at 6:30pm PT / 8:30pm CT / 9:30pm ET (2:30am BST on Sunday). The main fight card takes place on Sunday, June 14.
What will security be like?
Security is expected to be extremely tight. Dana White recalled a previous visit to the White House, noting snipers with .50 caliber weapons on the roof. The Secret Service's primary responsibility is protecting the president, and security will be a massive issue. In late April, President Trump was reportedly targeted by a shooter at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, with alleged suspect Cole Allen charged with attempted assassination. White, who was present, described the chaotic scene, including tables being flipped and armed personnel rushing in.
