UFC to break anthem rule for Trump-linked White House fight night, Dana White says

The main event features Ilia Topuria defending the lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, while the co-main event is Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. The card will have seven fights, and tickets are expected to be distributed to members of the military.

Derrick Lewis was added to the card after a direct request from Trump. Dana White said the call came during UFC 327, and Lewis was matched up against Josh Hokit, who had recently improved to 9-0 with a decision win over Curtis Blaydes in Miami.

UFC introduces an additional $1 million in post-fight bonuses funded by sponsor Crypto.com, applying across all 14 fighters on the card and described as the largest UFC bonus pool in history.

Dana White confirmed that UFC Freedom 250 will include a live performance of The Star-Spangled Banner by Zac Brown, marking the first national anthem at a UFC event in a long time. White cited concerns about the anthem slowing events and the UFC’s global reach, but noted this event will proceed with the anthem.

The White House card was initially proposed for July 4 to align with Independence Day but was moved to June 14 to coincide with Flag Day and Trump’s birthday. Reports cited logistical and security challenges in staging a large sporting event at the White House on July 4.

UFC confirms Freedom 250, a seven-fight card planned for Sunday, June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The event is described as a centerpiece of national celebrations, with military tickets expected to be distributed. The planned main event is Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title, with Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane as the interim heavyweight title bout.

The event is described as a centerpiece of national celebrations, with the White House as the venue and a distinctive format differing from standard UFC events.

White indicated that fighters could walk out from the Oval Office, though current expectations are that only the main event fighters may do so.

The UFC will award an additional $1 million in post-fight bonuses through sponsor Crypto.com, described as the largest bonus pool in UFC history, applying across all 14 fighters on the card.

Dana White confirmed in an Entertainment Tonight interview that UFC Freedom 250 will include a live performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, with Zac Brown performing, marking a rare return to singing the national anthem.

Lewis was added following a direct request from Donald Trump; White confirmed the inclusion during planning, and Lewis was later matched against Josh Hokit, who had recently improved to 9-0 with a decision over Curtis Blaydes in Miami.

Ilia Topuria will defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in the main event, with Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title as the co-main.

The event was initially proposed for July 4 but was moved to June 14 to coincide with Flag Day and Donald Trump’s birthday; organizers cited logistical and security challenges of staging a large-scale sporting event at the White House on July 4.

The UFC confirms UFC Freedom 250, also known as the 'UFC White House' card, will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. The card is described as seven fights, with tickets expected to be distributed to members of the military.