One of the most unusual events in combat sports is set for Sunday as UFC Freedom 250 arrives on the South Lawn of the White House with a seven-fight lineup topped by two championship bouts. In the main event, lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will attempt to unify the division against interim titleholder Justin Gaethje. The co-headliner will determine an interim heavyweight champion, with Alex Pereira facing Ciryl Gane. The card is being staged as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Tensions between Topuria and Gaethje have escalated throughout fight week in Washington. Topuria objected after Gaethje’s father referred to him as “another short guy,” and he also took issue with what he believed was a comment from Gaethje about his now-former wife following their contentious divorce. Gaethje has denied saying anything inappropriate about Topuria’s ex-wife and suggested the champion may be using the dispute as added motivation.
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A victory for Gaethje would serve as a defining moment in a career already filled with memorable performances. Nicknamed “The Highlight,” Gaethje has built a reputation for thrilling fights and a long list of bonus-winning appearances, but he has yet to capture the undisputed lightweight championship despite twice holding interim gold.
The co-main event carries major historical stakes of its own. In only 12 fights across five years, Pereira has emerged as one of the sport’s most popular and dangerous stars. After winning titles at middleweight and light heavyweight, the Brazilian now has a chance to add heavyweight success to his résumé and become the first fighter to claim title status in three different divisions. Standing in his way is Gane, a talented contender who has repeatedly fallen just short in the biggest moments.
Since joining the UFC in 2019, Gane has compiled a 10-2 record with one no contest. He previously won the interim heavyweight title with a TKO victory over Derrick Lewis in 2021, but failed to unify the belts in a decision loss to Francis Ngannou. He later challenged Jon Jones for the vacant title in 2023 and was submitted quickly. Gane worked his way back into contention in 2025 and appeared sharp against Tom Aspinall before a damaging double eye poke brought the fight to an abrupt no contest.
Below is the complete fight card for UFC Freedom 250, along with the latest odds. Check back all week long for the latest news, features and other content around this massive event.
Where to watch UFC Freedom 250
- Sunday, June 14 | The White House — Washington, D.C.
- 8 p.m. ET (Main card)
- Subscribe to Paramount+
UFC Freedom 250 fight card, odds
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook (as of June 14)
UFC Freedom 250 countdown
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