Dana White reveals fighters will walk out of the Oval Office at historic UFC White House event
Dana White reveals fighters will walk out of the Oval Office at historic UFC White House event
A planned UFC event at the White House is already shaping up to be one of the most unusual cards in the promotion’s history.
The event, titled UFC Freedom 250: The White House, is scheduled to take place on June 14 on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C., as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
UFC president Dana White recently shared a surprising detail about the production during a conversation with Logan Paul, revealing that fighters will make their entrances from inside one of the most recognizable rooms in American politics.
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"The fighters are going to walk out of the Oval Office," White said.
Paul appeared taken aback by the idea and responded simply: "Oh!"
White reiterated the plan moments later, explaining that competitors will begin their walk from the president’s office itself.
"They're walking from the Oval Office," he said.
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Reacting to the scale of the moment, Paul suggested the spectacle could become a memorable moment in American sporting history.
"Bro, just for like American history, this will be looked back on forever," Paul said.
White also emphasized that the event is intended as a one-time spectacle rather than a recurring show.
"If anybody, the fighters, their corner men, my production people, my pr people. This is a one-of-one, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will never happen again," White said.
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"There won't be a yearly fight at the White House. This is going to be a one-and-done."
The promotion confirmed the fight card over the weekend after what White described as a difficult matchmaking process.
"This card was a lot more difficult to put together than we had anticipated, but we got it done," he said.
The main event will see Ilia Topuria defend his undisputed lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, a matchup White believes could deliver fireworks.
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"We're in a unique position here where we have these guys like Pereira, who has the opportunity to become a three-way champion, and Ilia Topuria is one of those guys, too," White said.
"But right now, the timing is right for him and Justin Gaethje and that should be explosive."
White also revealed that some late changes were required before the lineup was finalized.
"A fight fell out last night; the matchmaking team was literally in the office all night last night working on this thing. It's done, we're ready to roll. Here we come, Washington, D.C."
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Other notable bouts on the card include Alex Pereira facing Ciryl Gane, while Sean O'Malley, Michael Chandler and Bo Nickal are also scheduled to compete.
UFC White House card in full
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane
Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi
Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus
Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia
Sources: UFC statements, media reports
