The UFC's highly anticipated White House fight card, scheduled for 14 June as part of the United States' 250th-anniversary celebrations, has been met with widespread disappointment from fans. Originally touted as the greatest card in UFC history, with US president Donald Trump predicting "eight to nine" all-title fights, the event will instead feature only six bouts, five starring US athletes and just two for championships.
Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
This lightweight title-unification fight pits the undefeated generational talent Ilia Topuria against heavy underdog Justin Gaethje. While Gaethje showcased resilience in his interim-title win over Paddy Pimblett, Topuria's punishing style and Gaethje's risk-taking make a knockout likely. Many fans had hoped for a bout with Islam Makhachev or Arman Tsarukyan, leaving this matchup feeling underwhelming. Grade: C+
Co-Main Event: Ciryl Gane vs Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira moves up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim belt, marking his divisional debut. Stylistically intriguing, with Gane's agility against Pereira's power, this fight offers Pereira a chance to become the UFC's first three-weight champion. However, fans dreamed of a Pereira vs Jon Jones showdown, which UFC president Dana White dismissed. Grade: B
Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi
Fan favourite "Suga" Sean O'Malley takes on competent Canadian Aiemann Zahabi in a bantamweight clash. While O'Malley's inclusion is justified, a more compelling matchup with Cory Sandhagen or a rematch with Petr Yan was overlooked, partly due to political sensitivities around Russian fighters. Grade: C
Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler
American star Michael Chandler faces flashy Brazilian striker Mauricio Ruffy in a guaranteed action bout. Chandler deserves a White House spot after years of Conor McGregor teases, but the McGregor fight itself was missed, likely saved for financial reasons. Grade: B-
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus
This all-American middleweight prospect fight falls flat with fans. Bo Nickal's hype has waned, and Kyle Daukaus, while respected, lacks star power. The winner advances in the title picture, but it's far from the high-stakes bout promised for this historic event. Grade: C
Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia
Diego Lopes aims to rebound from title-fight losses against rising US contender Steve Garcia in a featherweight contest. Divisional relevance is there, but the matchup lacks the excitement expected for a White House card billed as the UFC's best ever. Grade: C+
Overall Assessment
The UFC's White House card earns a C+ grade overall. While six fights are practical for time constraints, and five feature US stars like Gaethje, O'Malley, and Chandler, the event fails to live up to its historic hype. Better matchups were available, and the absence of dream fights leaves fans feeling shortchanged. By regular standards, this might be an A-grade card, but for an event of this magnitude, it's a letdown.
