The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make history by staging an unprecedented event at the White House, featuring a series of bouts to commemorate 250 years of the United States. The event, named 'UFC Freedom 250', will see the UFC's octagon constructed on the South Lawn, where seven fights are scheduled to take place on June 14, 2026, which coincidentally falls on the 80th birthday of US President Donald Trump.
When is the UFC White House Event?
The event will occur on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The fights are slated to begin at 5:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM CT / 8:00 PM ET, which translates to 1:00 AM BST on Monday, June 15.
How Can I Watch It?
Specific broadcasting details have yet to be announced, but Ari Emanuel, CEO of the UFC's ownership group TKO, indicated in April that the event would likely be available on CBS and Paramount+. Since January, UFC fight cards have been streaming live on Paramount+, with CBS also airing segments of certain events.
Who Is Fighting?
The fight card is subject to change, but the current lineup includes:
- Ilia Topuria (C) vs. Justin Gaethje (lightweight title)
- Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane (interim heavyweight title)
- Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi (bantamweight)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit (heavyweight)
- Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler (lightweight)
- Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus (middleweight)
- Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia (featherweight)
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, a large park adjacent to the White House. Dana White 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 available for the Ellipse, where fans can watch on large screens, with stages and music also provided.
What Other Events Will Take Place That Week?
A press conference is scheduled for Friday, June 12, at the Lincoln Memorial, starting at 5:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM CT / 8:30 PM ET (1:30 AM BST on Saturday). On Saturday, June 13, a fan festival will be held at the Ellipse from 12:30 PM PT / 2:30 PM CT / 3:30 PM ET (8:30 PM BST). The ceremonial weigh-in will follow at 5:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM CT / 8:30 PM ET (1:30 AM BST on Sunday), with a concert by the Zac Brown Band at 6:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM CT / 9:30 PM ET (2:30 AM BST on Sunday). The main fight card takes place on Sunday, June 14, starting at 5:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM CT / 8:00 PM ET (1:00 AM BST on Monday).
What Will Security Be Like?
Security is expected to be extremely tight, given the high-profile nature of the event and recent incidents. Dana White noted last September that the Secret Service will be heavily involved, with snipers positioned on the White House roof. In late April, President Trump was reportedly targeted by a shooter at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and an alleged suspect was charged with attempted assassination. White, who was present at that dinner, described the chaotic scene but emphasized the security measures in place.
