It’s time for one of the most unique sporting events of all time. UFC Freedom 250 touches down on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday for a seven-fight card, headlined by two title fights. Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria looks to unify his title against interim champ Justin Gaethje in the main event while an interim heavyweight champion is crowned when Alex Pereira takes on Ciryl Gane. It all goes down as part of a celebration of America’s 250th birthday as well as President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
There have been 11 two-division champions in UFC’s 33-year history. Two of them, Topuria and Alex Pereira, fight this weekend. Topuria is on a meteoric rise. He’s knocked out three consecutive former champions and future Hall of Famers to win two UFC titles. His first title defense is against the sport’s most exciting fighter. Appropriately nicknamed “The Highlight,” Gaethje averages one bonus every time he fights. Last time out, Gaethje upset Paddy Pimblett to secure his shot at Topuria. The fight weighs even heavier knowing that Gaethje will likely retire the next time he loses.
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Pereira has made the most of his relatively short time in MMA. Already a two-division champion, he will become the only fighter to win titles in three divisions if he beats two-time title challenger Ciryl Gane. It’s not an undisputed title fight, but with heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s future in limbo, the winner might eventually graduate to undisputed status.
Elsewhere on Saturday, fast rising heavyweight sensation Josh Hokit looks to take the next step toward a title shot when he takes on the legendary veteran Derrick Lewis. Hokit revealed himself on the scene in just three UFC fights with his last being considered an all-timer against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in Miami. Now, he must get past the all-time knockout leader if he wants to keep rolling into a potential fight with the winner of Saturday’s co-main event.
Plus, former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley returns to take on rising contender Aiemann Zahabi. Rising lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy hopes to keep rolling against veteran Michael Chandler. Rising middleweight prospect Bo Nickal looks to take the next step up in his rise when he takes on veteran Kyle Daukaus. And featherweight sluggers meet in the opener when Diego Lopes battles Steve Garcia.
Below is the complete fight card for UFC Freedom 250, along with the just in odds. Check back all week long for the just in news, features and other content around this massive event.
Where to watch UFC Freedom 250
- Date: Sunday, June 14 | Location: The White House — Washington, D.C.
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET (Main card)
- Watch live: Subscribe to Paramount+
UFC Freedom 250 fight card, odds
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook (as of June 10)
- Ilia Topuria (c) -500 vs. Justin Gaethje (ic) +380, undisputed lightweight title
- Ciryl Gane -110 vs. Alex Pereira -110, interim heavyweight title
- Sean O’Malley -440 vs. Aiemann Zahabi +340, bantamweights
- Josh Hokit -410 vs. Derrick Lewis +320, heavyweights
- Mauricio Ruffy -675 vs. Michael Chandler +490, lightweights
- Bo Nickal -355 vs. Kyle Daukaus +280, middleweights
- Diego Lopes -162 vs. Steve Garcia +138, featherweights
UFC Freedom 250 countdown
- Mahjouri: Topuria opens up about ‘tough’ public divorce
- Campbell: Pereira nearing MMA immortality with Teixeira leading the way
- Brookhouse: The most unique venues in MMA history ahead of The White House
- Hummer: How Hokit transformed from college football walk-on to breakout star
- Campbell: An inside look at how the White House event structure came together
- Mahjouri: Gaethje blames Topuria for sparking family drama ahead of title fight
- Mahjouri: Undercard fights to watch this weekend
- Topuria says Gaethje “crossed the line” with comments about ex-wife
- Campbell: Five biggest storylines to follow in Washington D.C.
Who wins UFC White House: Topuria vs. Gaethje, and how exactly does the fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks and analysis from the incomparable expert who is up over $1,500 on his UFC main-card picks, and find out.
