Justin Gaethje stunned Ilia Topuria to end a career-long wait to claim undisputed lightweight gold, ensuring an American got his arm raised in the main event of the UFC’s extraordinary fight card at the White House.
Heavy underdog Gaethje, 37, put on a bludgeoning performance against the undefeated Topuria in front of US president Donald Trump, battering the Georgian-Spaniard to unprecedented extent before his corner threw in the towel after the fourth round - five minutes after referee Marc Goddard appeared to overrule the doctor’s desire to stop the fight over concerns of Topuria’s vision.
Gaethje’s triumph followed six straight knockouts on a night where no fight went the distance, with Ciryl Gane also pulling off a huge upset as he knocked out the formidable Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title to derail “Poatan”’s push for UFC glory in a third division.
Elsewhere on the card, Sean O’Malley slept Canada's Aiemann Zahabi, while controversial heavyweight Josh Hokit called Michelle Obama a “man” after stopping Derrick Lewis. Bo Nickal and Diego Lopes were also all victorious, while Mauricio Ruffy pulled off the finish of the night with a spinning wheel kick on Michael Chandler.
Re-live updates and see all results from UFC Freedom 250, below.
UFC Freedom 250 LIVE
- White House hosts UFC fights to celebrate 250 years of US and Donald Trump’s 80th birthday
- Justin Gaethje stuns Ilia Topuria with bludgeoning display to finally win undisputed gold
- Topuria has been rushed to hospital with suspected broken orbital bone
- Ciryl Gane scores upset KO win over Alex Pereira to win interim heavyweight belt
- Sean O’Malley knocks out Canada's Aiemann Zahabi before greeting Trump
- Divisive Josh Hokit KOs Trump's favourite fighter Derrick Lewis, labels Michelle Obama a 'man'
- Mauricio Ruffy scores stunning stoppage of Michael Chandler with spinning heel kick
- Bo Nickal knocks out Kyle Daukaus in all-American middleweight clash
- Diego Lopes knocks Steve Garcia out cold in first fight of the night
Topuria releases statement on brutal White House beating by Gaethje
12:48 , Alex Pattle
Ilia Topuria releases statement on brutal UFC White House beating by Justin Gaethje
Aspinall reacts to Gane’s win over Pereira amid more foul claims
13:14 , Alex Pattle
Tom Aspinall reacts to Ciryl Gane’s win over Alex Pereira amid more foul claims
Pimblett issues expletive-laden response to rival Topuria’s defeat by Gaethje
12:59 , Alex Pattle
Paddy Pimblett issues expletive-laden response to rival Ilia Topuria’s first UFC loss
Topuria releases statement on brutal White House beating by Gaethje
12:48 , Alex Pattle
Ilia Topuria releases statement on brutal UFC White House beating by Justin Gaethje
Gaethje's walkout before reaching mountain top
Monday 15 June 2026 14:00 , Will Castle
Justin Gaethje's EPIC White House walkout 🇺🇸#UFCWhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/dMzlcmWBOt
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) June 15, 2026
U-S-A
Monday 15 June 2026 13:40 , Will Castle
They don’t half know how to go over the top, don’t the Americans!
The champs
Monday 15 June 2026 13:20 , Will Castle
Topuria hospitalised after pummelling defeat
Monday 15 June 2026 13:00 , Will Castle
We have never seen Ilia Topuria lose a fight, let alone leave the Octagon looking completely bludgeoned.
He’s been transported to hospital, with Dana White fearing he may have a broken orbital bone.
Eric Trump calls out ‘AI generated screenshots’ after post claims he asked UFC Freedom 250 commentator if fights were ‘rigged’
Monday 15 June 2026 12:40 , Will Castle
Eric Trump forcefully denied online allegations that he sought insider information about the UFC Freedom 250 event being held Sunday at the White House.
In a series of social media statements, the president’s second son responded to screenshots from Daniel Cormier that appeared to show him asking whether the fights were “rigged,” dismissing them as fabricated by artificial intelligence.
His denials came as the combat spectacle unfolded on the South Lawn of the White House, where administration officials and thousands of spectators gathered around an octagon and under flashing lights to witness a series of bouts. The extravaganza, temporarily delayed by bad weather, is being held on the president’s 80th birthday.
Eric Trump refutes claim he asked UFC Freedom 250 commentator if fights were ‘rigged’
Trump’s highly anticipated White House UFC match sees few recognizable guests
Monday 15 June 2026 12:20 , Will Castle
Despite reports that a roster of Hollywood stars had been invited to President Donald Trump’s UFC cage fight spectacle at the White House, Adam Sandler, Guy Ritchie and Tom Brady — all rumored attendees — were no-shows on Sunday night.
Jared Leto, Jason Statham, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Saved By The Bell star Mario Lopez had also reportedly been invited to the mixed martial arts event by UFC president and CEO Dana White, but they were also absent at the event.
While the unprecedented event was snubbed by the A-list crowd, Mark Zuckerberg and British boxer Tyson Fury were notable names to make appearances at Trump’s 80th birthday bash.
Trump’s highly anticipated White House UFC match sees few recognizable guests
White House bonuses
Monday 15 June 2026 12:00 , Will Castle
A championship upset at #UFCWhiteHouse!
— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026
Ilia Topuria and @Justin_Gaethje earn the FOTN bonus with a barnburner in the main event! pic.twitter.com/SLN47VEFvj
Champions deserve a bonus! 🤑@Justin_Gaethje and @Ciryl_Gane earn the POTN bonus with two show-ending finishes at #UFCWhiteHouse!
— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026
An additional $250K in USD1 will be awarded to tonight's Performance of the Night winners from @WorldLibertyfi Fund. pic.twitter.com/ePFldTJHtN
Lopes knocks Garcia out cold
Monday 15 June 2026 11:40 , Will Castle
WATCH: Donald Trump and Dana White arrive on White House balcony to attend UFC Freedom Fight
Monday 15 June 2026 11:20 , Will Castle
Tyson Fury shows up at White House UFC fight in ‘Donald Trump for Prime Minister’ cap
Monday 15 June 2026 11:00 , Will Castle
British boxer Tyson Fury made a surprise appearance at President Donald Trump’s UFC cage fight Sunday, wearing a cap emblazoned with the slogan “Donald Trump for Prime Minister.”
The former world heavyweight champion emerged from the wings of the White House while Kings of Leon’s “Sex on Fire” played, wearing a bedazzled black suit and the red and white pro-Trump cap, which was printed with flags for both the UK and US.
Tyson Fury shows up at White House UFC fight in ‘Donald Trump for Prime Minister’ cap
Full steam ahead for Nickal
Monday 15 June 2026 10:40 , Will Castle
Ruffy produces stunning stoppage of Chandler
Monday 15 June 2026 10:20 , Will Castle
Mauricio Ruffy DOMINATES Michael Chandler at the White House! 😮 #UFCWhiteHouse | Stream TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/C33odwl1vn
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) June 15, 2026
Banned UFC fighter removed from White House event by US Secret Service
Monday 15 June 2026 10:00 , Will Castle
UFC champion Sean Strickland has seemingly been removed from a UFC White House fan festival by the US Secret Service, after he turned up despite claiming to be banned.
In the weeks leading up to UFC Freedom 250, which culminates in seven bouts on the South Lawn on Sunday, Strickland claimed he was not allowed to attend the fight card or the preceding events – namely Friday’s press conference at the Lincoln Memorial or Saturday’s weigh-in at the Ellipse.
But on Saturday, he filmed himself walking through a fan festival, seemingly at the Ellipse, before photos were taken of the controversial American star being removed by Secret Service members.
Banned UFC fighter removed from White House event by US Secret Service
O'Malley knocks out Canada's Zahabi to keep up momentum
Monday 15 June 2026 09:40 , Will Castle
Fans pack out the Ellipse
Monday 15 June 2026 09:20 , Will Castle
WATCH: Josh Hokin gives Donald Trump his chain after White House UFC win
Monday 15 June 2026 09:00 , Will Castle
Gane stuns Pereira to reclaim interim gold
Monday 15 June 2026 08:45 , Will Castle
Justin Gaethje’s triumph will lead the headlines today, but if you’re just joining us, there was another upset in the co-main event as Ciryl Gane stopped Alex Pereira in round two to win the interim heavyweight belt.
Pereira was aiming to become the first three-weight champion in UFC history, but the former middleweight and light-heavyweight king was stopped while standing.
The Frenchman now eyes up title-holder Tom Aspinall as he looks to address “unfinished business”. Aspinall has not fought since suffering a serious eye injury at the hands of Gane last year.
UFC White House fighter Josh Hokit calls Michelle Obama a ‘man’ in sweary post-win interview
Monday 15 June 2026 08:45 , Will Castle
UFC fighter Josh Hokit ensured he would not go a night without controversy as he yelled “Michelle Obama is a man” after winning his bout at the White House.
He said: “I’m the man with the plan, the beast that’s ready to feast.
“You know what? F*** the speech. Shoutout to Trump for having the balls to put some s*** like this on.
“And if I’m gonna say anything, there’s only one person more incredible than the ‘Incredible Hok’, and that’s my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.”
He then called out Alex Pereira, who was due to fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship in the co-main event, before saying: “Michelle Obama is a man, am I right America?”
UFC White House fighter Hokit calls Michelle Obama a ‘man’ in post-win interview
The all-American ending
Monday 15 June 2026 08:30 , Will Castle
A SPECTACULAR ENDING TO ONE OF THE GREATEST NIGHT OF FIGHT'S YOU'LL EVER SEE 🎆🎆#UFCWhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/0W3BC8AOsu
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) June 15, 2026
White's closing remarks
Monday 15 June 2026 08:14 , Will Castle
Dana White finishes the press conference by insisting this was never going to be a “political statement” and hoped it would bring unity of the USA’s 250th birthday.
And that’s your lot!
White didn't intend for White House event to be 'America vs the world'
Monday 15 June 2026 08:10 , Will Castle
White says he didn’t want the White House event to be “America against the world” and that he tried to get a fighter from China on the card, to no avail.
“The script for tonight couldn’t have been better.”
More on Topuria
Monday 15 June 2026 08:08 , Will Castle
White speculates that Topuria may have suffered a “broken orbital bone” during his fight with Gaethje, with the Georgian-Spaniard being rushed to hospital after getting “busted up”.
He says he isn’t thinking about when he can fight next and wants him to rest up.
Gane has 'unfinished business' with Aspinall
Monday 15 June 2026 08:01 , Will Castle
Ciryl Gane, the new interim heavyweight champion, says he has “unfinished business” with Tom Aspinall.
He also notes that Aspinall is a more well-rounded opponent than Alex Pereira, who is more of a “take your lights out” fighter.
White isn't budging on outside events
Monday 15 June 2026 07:56 , Will Castle
White insists he won’t budge on his reluctance of doing outside UFC events, with weather being the primary issue.
That’s despite him asking the fighters at the press conference how they found fighting outside, with all replying that they liked it: “The breeze was really nice.”
“You all liked it? Still no,” asserted White.
White teases signing Fury to Zuffa
Monday 15 June 2026 07:53 , Will Castle
“We’ll make an announcement soon,” Dana White said when asked if Tyson Fury’s presence tonight meant he had signed for Zuffa.
“Let me reiterate. Judge me 1 January 2027 on what we’ve done with boxing.”
It isn’t confirmation, but certainly looks like Fury has joined forces with the UFC head honcho...
Update on Topuria's health
Monday 15 June 2026 07:50 , Will Castle
“We had him get out of the Octagon before his hand was even raised,” says White, who confirms Topuria has been transported straight to hospital.
More from Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 07:49 , Will Castle
Justin Gaethje says all of his setbacks when fighting for the title, especially the knockout against Max Holloway, led him to fight his perfect fight against Ilia Topuria.
“I think my career is going to age like a fine wine.”
No retirement talk for Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 07:48 , Will Castle
Just like he said in the cage, Justin Gaethje has insisted he will not speculate over any potential retirement after making a promise to his mum.
“I said I wouldn’t even talk about it to here, I’m going to sit here and enjoy this win.”
White hopes to have attracted new fans
Monday 15 June 2026 07:46 , Will Castle
“If this was a first-timer watching MMA, I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you became a fan,” White said.
'I can't afford doing this again'
Monday 15 June 2026 07:45 , Will Castle
White says he’s not trying to overthink whether he can ever top the White House card, but confirms there won’t be a sequel to this event as he won’t be able to ‘afford’ doing it again.
“I thought we did that with the Sphere,” he said. “It was an amazing experience, a one of one that will never happen again.
“I can’t afford it, there’s no way I can do this again.”
'My mum's dream was to beat Melania'
Monday 15 June 2026 07:42 , Will Castle
“It was incredible, coming from such a small town I can’t tell you how blessed I am to get this far,” Gaethje says, reflecting on getting congratulated by Donald Trump in the cage.
He also said his mum’s dream was to beat Melania. Shoot higher, Mrs Gaethje!
'You saw everything in that fight'
Monday 15 June 2026 07:40 , Will Castle
“When you get a six, seven, eight to one underdog and did what he did tonight... you saw everything in that fight,” White says, calling Topuria vs Gaethje the fight of the night as the champ takes a seat at the press conference.
White delight
Monday 15 June 2026 07:38 , Will Castle
Dana White has branded the event as a success “in every way that you can gauge”, claiming that expectations were blown way out of the water.
“You don’t get calls from billionaires flipping out too often,” he said.
He also expressed his delight at the weather, saying the storm that was expected to hit the event actually “split and went around” the White House.
“Everything was perfect.”
Dana White press conference getting underway
Monday 15 June 2026 07:34 , Will Castle
After quite the wait, Dana White is at his UFC Freedom 250 press conference.
We’ll bring you the highlights...
UFC Freedom 250 full results
Monday 15 June 2026 07:30 , Will Castle
Justin Gaethje def. Ilia Topuria via fourth-round TKO (5:00, corner’s stoppage)
Ciryl Gane def. Alex Pereira via second-round TKO (1:27)
Sean O’Malley def. Aiemann Zahabi via second-round TKO (4:02)
Josh Hokit def. Derrick Lewis via second-round TKO (4:09)
Mauricio Ruffy def. Michael Chandler via first-round TKO (4:29)
Bo Nickal def. Kyle Daukaus via first-round TKO (4:34)
Diego Lopes def. Steve Garcia via second-round KO (2:42)
Anddddd NEW!
Monday 15 June 2026 07:15 , Will Castle
No better feeling 😍@Justin_Gaethje | #UFCWhiteHouse
— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026
LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!
[ Title fights presented by @Cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/Xyyi7jv19o
What next for Topuria?
Monday 15 June 2026 07:00 , Will Castle
Ilia Topuria was the UFC’s untouchable ‘legend killer’... before tonight. He’d slept Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Alex Volkanovski, and Gaethje looked destined to be next to feel his scythe. Alas not.
The Georgian-Spaniard will now need to do something he has never to before: bounce back from defeat. An immediate title rematch is probably warranted - but say Paddy Pimblett beats Benoit Saint-Denis next week, could we finally get the blow-off to that feud?
Gaethje stuns Topuria to win undisputed UFC title at White House
Monday 15 June 2026 06:45 , Will Castle
Report: Justin Gaethje scores huge upset over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House to realise career-long dream
Monday 15 June 2026 06:33 , Will Castle
Justin Gaethje scored a huge upset in the main event of UFC Freedom 250, beating Ilia Topuria via corner stoppage to finally win undisputed gold.
It had been a surreal night of fights on the White House’s South Lawn, a celebration of 250 years of the United States and the 80th birthday of US President Donald Trump. And it took another turn when Gaethje handed Topuria the first loss of his professional career.
The stoppage came between the fourth round and the fifth and final frame, as Topuria was unable to continue after sustaining significant damage across 20 minutes of brutal action. The fight had nearly been stopped after round three, when a doctor advised referee Marc Goddard to halt the bout, but Goddard let it continue.
Alex Pattle reports:
Justin Gaethje earns huge upset over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House to realise dream
Trump enters the cage
Monday 15 June 2026 06:21 , Will Castle
Donald Trump, sporting a white USA cap, has entered the cage to congratulate Justin Gaethje on his win.
This was the most all-American fight card you could imagine, but it was not expected to end with an American getting his arm raised - Ilia Topuria was the heavy favourite. Shows how much we know.
“It was like a movie man,” says Daniel Cormier as fireworks go off around the Washington Monument.
Gaethje: 'I told myself I was going to lose'
Monday 15 June 2026 06:17 , Will Castle
“I told myself I was going to lose, I told myself I was going to get embarraessed so that I can go to my most primal place and dig deep,” Gaethje said in his post-fight interview
“And I had to. That guy had me in trouble, he rocked my chin and smoked my liver, but I stuck in.
“Look at my face, I’ve got some thick-a** face, something’s wrong with me.”
Monumental upset
Monday 15 June 2026 06:10 , Will Castle
Nobody gave Justin Gaethje a chance tonight. The prediction, or assumption, was that Ilia Topuria would flatline the American, just as he did to fellow legends Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.
But here we are. Gaethje is your new undisputed champion of the world.
Un-be-lievable.
𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐖𝐖𝐖𝐖!!! 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐣𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘! 🏆
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) June 15, 2026
Justin Gaethje has defeated Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC Freedom 250! 💪#UFCWhiteHouse | Stream TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/hu2SDUQ06L
IT'S WAVED OFF! GAETHJE DETHRONES TOPURIA
Monday 15 June 2026 06:07 , Alex Pattle
The ref waves it off between rounds! Topuria’s brother wanted him to continue, but Topuria could not!
Gaethje celebrates with a backflip off the cage, as usual! Topuria is beaten for the first time.
Gaethje FINALLY wins the undisputed belt after years of trying!
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 06:06 , Alex Pattle
Round four
Topuria secures a takedown and is back in mount! Gaethje does so well to explode out and stand, though.
Both men have landed 131 total strikes, wow. Topuria shoots for a takedown but it’s laboured, and Gaethje easily sprawls.
Knee to the body by Gaethje. Topuria didn’t like that.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 06:04 , Alex Pattle
Round four
Big cross by Gaethje. Topuria is still coming forward.
The pace has slowed, but both men are still landing. Nice uppercut by Gaethje, but Topuria lands a cross.
Deep breath from Gaethje. Topuria is wincing, holding his eye. He’s retreating. A replay suggests it was a thumb to his eye.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 06:00 , Alex Pattle
Topuria’s coach, his brother, has called for a doctor. But Ilia says he wants to continue.
His eye is in a bad way – both of them are in fact.
A doctor takes a look and wants to wave off this fight. Ilia is protesting...
The referee Marc Goddard says, “I want to let this go”, and the fight will continue!!
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 05:59 , Alex Pattle
Round three
Topuria’s face looks awful, and his power will be fading with each round. He misses with a cross and eats a jab.
Brilliant uppercut by Gaethje. The crowd chants his name.
OH! Gaethje hurts Topuria again. Topuria jogs away. He’s wearing a crimson mask.
Big jumping knee by Gaethje. Topuria makes it to the buzzer, but eats a head kick at the last second.
The champ is down 2-1.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 05:56 , Alex Pattle
Round three
“That was a good body shot,” Gaethje tells his coach Trevor Wittman, who urges Gaethje to go forward in the next round.
The round begins with a clinch, but they separate and Gaethje lands a clean cross. Gaethje kicks low, but Topuria times the kick with a cross.
Another right hand by Gaethje, then a jab. And another. And another. And another. Topuria looks tired, he’s not doing much.
OH, MY GOD! Gaethje rattles Topuria’s jaw BADLY with a cross, and Topuria freezes!
Gaethje goes for a D’arce choke, but he should’ve opted for more strikes!!
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 05:52 , Alex Pattle
Round two
Topuria can’t catch either of those submissions, but he ends up back in mount.
Now he has side control, and he ends the round there.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 05:51 , Alex Pattle
Round two
Topuria’s face is a mess. Gaethje takes a deep breath. Forward comes Topuria. “USA”, chants the crowd.
Topuria is investing in the body more and more. He’s also feinting there, though, to draw a reaction. More measured approach from Topuria in this round, and he’s better for it.
Gaethje eats a clean cross, so does Topuria. Gaethje looks like he’s tiring. Topuria has him against the fence, where he does his best work.
Oh! They’re slugging it out again! Brutal body shots from Topuria now, though, as he regains momentum.
Gaethje goes down from a body shot!! Topuria slides into mount and lands a good right. Now he tries an armbar, then a triangle...
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 05:46 , Alex Pattle
Round one
Topuria’s face is SO marked up. He might have been cut around his right eye.
Gaethje is landing hard shots, but he just walked onto two hard jabs.
Mean cross by Gaethje! Well, well, well... This is not what many of us expected.
ANOTHER cross! And a hugeee overhand. Topuria’s chin is holding up so well, but for how long? Head kick grazes him, but he lands a cross.
Nice work from Topuria at close range, then an uppercut and body shot. They’re trading leather hard in the pocket. Both men are landing BIG shots!
WHAT A ROUND! People expected Topuria to blitz through Gaethje. Nuh-uh.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 05:43 , Alex Pattle
Round one
Hard jab by Gaethje immediately as Topuria comes forward. He said he expected Gaethje to come forward, but it’s the other way around so far.
More good jabs by Gaethje and a low kick. Low kick by Topuria too.
Jab is still working for Gaethje, who considers a takedown but bails out. Topuria kicks low and hard again.
Another stern jab by Gaethje, but Topuria tags him with a hard cross. Jab again by Gaethje! Topuria with a cross, Gaethje with a hook and uppercut.
Topuria blocks a head kick. The story of the fight continues, in terms of Gaethje’s jab and Topuria’s cross.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 05:41 , Alex Pattle
There’s a touch of gloves, surprisingly. HERE WE GO!
Bruce Buffer with the introductions
Monday 15 June 2026 05:36 , Alex Pattle
The main event is just moments away... Don’t go anywhere...
Topuria wastes no time
Monday 15 June 2026 05:31 , Alex Pattle
Topuria looks very relaxed, quite excited, and he’s moving much more quickly than Gaethje did!
'There ain't no grave that can hold my body down'
Monday 15 June 2026 05:24 , Alex Pattle
That’s the lyrical refrain as Gaethje emerges here. He starts his walk in the Oval Office in a surreal scene.
One more fight: Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
Monday 15 June 2026 05:23 , Alex Pattle
One fight left, as lightweight champion Ilia Topuria defends his title against interim champion Justin Gaethje.
The unbeaten Topuria, one of the UFC’s biggest stars, is a clear favourite here. After so many KOs tonight, you wouldn’t bet against another.
The Spanish-Georgian enters this bout on the back of three straight KOs of all-time greats, after all. He’s looking to add fan favourite Gaethje to that list.
American Gaethje is always involved in fun fights, but sometimes at his own expense. Will that be the case tonight?
He comes into this one having mocked Topuria’s divorce, and that did not go down well with “El Matador”.
Gane becomes two-time interim heavyweight champ
Monday 15 June 2026 05:19 , Alex Pattle
Pereira reflects on first stoppage loss since 2023
Monday 15 June 2026 05:11 , Alex Pattle
Pereira: “This was the risk. If I hadn’t taken a risk every time I fought, i wouldn’t be here today.
“We’re gonna sit down and look at it [whether to stay at heavyweight or drop back down].”
Gane becomes two-time interim heavyweight champ
Monday 15 June 2026 05:09 , Alex Pattle
“We did a really great job with my team during the camp,” says Gane.
“I’m really proud of myself, really proud of my team. Thank you the people behind me.
“We know it was possible to do that, we knew.
“Next, everybody knows already. Let’s do that in Paris in September.”
He’s referring to a unification fight with Tom Aspinall, whom he fought to a no-contest in October.
GANE KOs PEREIRA!
Monday 15 June 2026 05:05 , Alex Pattle
Round two
OH! Gane drops Pereira with a hard jab, and he pours on elbows and hammer fists!
Somehow Pereira is able to hang on, literally, before climbing to his feet...
And now Pereira is swinging back, but he’s out of it really...
It’s a matter of time, surely; Gane is just trying to find that knockout shot...
YES! A hard one-two, Pereira slumps against the fence, and referee Herb Dean steps in!
Pereira vs Gane
Monday 15 June 2026 05:02 , Alex Pattle
Round one
Decent cross to the body by Gane, then Pereira kicks low. Gane with his own calf kick.
Pereira barely misses with a head kick, then Gane launches a body kick.
Gane is out of range of a Pereira head kick.
Low kick by Gane, OH! Then he eats two crosses right on the buzzer!
Enough to steal the round? No, I think still Gane’s round...
Pereira vs Gane
Monday 15 June 2026 05:00 , Alex Pattle
Round one
Pereira stands orthodox, Gane southpaw. Pereira throws a high kick early, Gane goes to the body.
More kicks from both men. The crowd chants “chama” in support of Pereira. Nice jab by Gane then an oblique kick.
Pereira is pressing forward. Gane tries a single-leg but to no avail. Pereira kicks low.
Gane misses with a jab and a hook but lands a low kick.
Nice straight shots by Gane, who justttt misses with a high kick.
Pereira vs Gane
Monday 15 June 2026 04:56 , Alex Pattle
HERE WE GO! Interim heavyweight gold up for grabs.
Pereira vs Gane moments away
Monday 15 June 2026 04:45 , Alex Pattle
Don’t go anywhere!
France’s Gane has just made his ring walk, and Brazil’s Pereira is up next.
Although Gane is the only natural heavyweight of the two, and Pereira is a former middleweight and light-heavyweight, it’s Pereira who weighed in heavier (261lb to Gane’s 258lb).
Another video package in the meantime
Monday 15 June 2026 04:38 , Alex Pattle
There’s another of those video packages, which are vaguely telling the story of the United States’s history, before the next fight.
Two more fights tonight, folks.
Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane next with interim title on the line
Monday 15 June 2026 04:34 , Alex Pattle
Next up is the co-main event, as Alex Pereira fights Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
Pereira is aiming to become the first three-weight UFC champion ever, while Gane is aiming to become a two-time interim heavyweight champion.
Given every fight has ended by KO tonight, does that bode well for Pereira’s trademark knockout abilities? Or can Gane maintain the range and win a decision?
Those feel the two likeliest outcomes, but of course, anything can happen in this sport.
O'Malley salutes crowd while opponent falls to mat
Monday 15 June 2026 04:29 , Alex Pattle
Sean O’Malley def. Aiemann Zahabi via second-round TKO (punches, 4:02)
O’Malley saluted the crowd while Zahabi fell to the mat. He then spoke to Trump at ringside
O’Malley to Joe Rogan: “Manifestation is a real thing. I’ve seen this before.” He watches back his KO. “Ah, that was sexy.”
He calls for a shot at champion Petr Yan, over whom he holds a past win.
He then speaks to Mark Zuckerbeg on his way out of the cageside area.
Sean O'Malley gets KO he craved against Aiemann Zahabi
Monday 15 June 2026 04:21 , Alex Pattle
Round two
Zahabi is almost running forwards with hard low kicks, now and then. That’s been his best weapon, and it might be taking a toll on O’Malley.
But O’Malley is still doing most of the best work here, and he’s bloodied up Zahabi’s nose.
OH! And finally he scores the knockdown with a jab. Zahabi scrambles back up, but another knockdown follows from a one-two, and it’s all over!
Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi
Monday 15 June 2026 04:15 , Alex Pattle
Round one
O’Malley stands southpaw and presses forward. Now he goes orthodox. Zahabi switches stances back and forth, too. “O’Malley” is the chant from the crowd.
Not too much thrown so far, but O’Malley continues to pressure. He’s trying to draw some counters out of Zahabi, so that he can counter himself.
Decent cross to the body by O’Malley. Zahabi kicks low. O’Malley chases and jabs. Another cross to the body by Sugar. Zahabi with a left hand up top.
O’Malley starts to find his range late in the round, concerning Zahabi with shots off both wings.
O'Malley desperate for first KO since 2023
Monday 15 June 2026 04:05 , Alex Pattle
Former bantamweight champ O’Malley is one of the UFC’s biggest stars and is famous for his KOs – or was...
He hasn’t scored one since 2023, and he’s said he MUST land one tonight to stay relevant.
To be honest, he’ll likely get a title shot next if he wins tonight, no matter how he gets it done.
Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi next up
Monday 15 June 2026 04:01 , Alex Pattle
“Sugar” Sean O’Malley steps out for the USA next, taking on Canada’s Aiemann Zahabi.
Josh Hokit swears, calls out Pereira, and labels Michelle Obama a man
Monday 15 June 2026 03:55 , Alex Pattle
Hokit: “I’m the man with the plan, the beast that’s ready to feast.
“You know what? F*** the speech.
“Shoutout to Trump for having the balls to put some s*** like this on.
“And if I’m gonna say anything, there’s only one person more incredible than the ‘Incredible Hoke’, and that’s my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.”
He then calls out Alex Pereira, who fights later tonight, before claiming Michelle Obama is a man. Brilliant.
Josh Hokit stops Trump's favourite fighter Derrick Lewis
Monday 15 June 2026 03:48 , Alex Pattle
There’s a loud “Lewis” chant, but it’s still almost all Hokit.
He shows off some quick hands in punching combinations, and Lewis looks like he’s in trouble.
Good clinch work from Hokit, too.
Hokit is now landing his right cross at will from range.
Oh! Lewis finally goes down, and this one is waved off!
Josh Hokit vs Derrick Lewis
Monday 15 June 2026 03:45 , Alex Pattle
Round one
Big elbow from Hokit from on top, then another slashing one. He’s got Lewis on the canvas and by the fence.
Lewis tries to explode up, but Hokit drags his legs away and then lands a punch. And another.
Hokit slides into mount. He’s controlling Lewis’s hands and picking his moments to throw shots.
The crowd gets excited as Lewis starts to stand, but he soon falls. It looks like one of those elbows has cut Lewis around his left eye.
OH! Hokit suddenly attacks an armbar, he’s got the arm fully extended, but Lewis isn’t tapping...
20 seconds left in the round... Somehow Lewis survives!
Josh Hokit vs Derrick Lewis
Monday 15 June 2026 03:40 , Alex Pattle
Round one
So many fans would love Lewis to end the Hokit hype tonight. Hokit tends to play characters, and he really gets on people’s nerves.
Lots of kicks from Hokit early on, including some quite acrobatic heel kicks – he slips after one and scrambles back to his feet! He’s 30lb lighter, much quicker than Lewis.
Hokit looks wary of Lewis’s power, but he’s still pressing forward.
Double-leg takedown from Hokit!
Hokit emerges to Hulk Hogan's theme song
Monday 15 June 2026 03:33 , Alex Pattle
A band is playing the walkout music of WWE icon Hulk Hogan, who died last year, as Hokit emerges.
As usual, Hokit is wearing a USA bandana and sunglasses.
Lewis the record-breaker
Monday 15 June 2026 03:32 , Alex Pattle
At 41 years old, Lewis is seemingly near the end of his career, and a lack of motivation has been perceptible in recent times.
However, his 16 knockouts are a UFC record. So, he could definitely take out Hokit here.
Still, 28-year-old Hokit is the betting favourite.
Trump personally requested this fight
Monday 15 June 2026 03:28 , Alex Pattle
After watching from ringside in April as Hokit beat Curtis Blaydes in an instant classic, Trump requested that Hokit be added to tonight’s card.
By the end of that evening in Miami, Hokit had been paired with Lewis, who is Trump’s favourite fighter.
Next: Controversial Josh Hokit faces Trump's favourite fighter
Monday 15 June 2026 03:24 , Alex Pattle
Next, Trump’s favourite fighter Derrick Lewis takes on the divisive Josh Hokit.
Hokit seemingly caused the abrupt ending of the press conference on Friday after insulting Topuria’s divorce, and he pretended to throw up at yesterday’s weigh-in.
An odd bloke, who gets people talking...
Ruffy asks partner to marry him
Monday 15 June 2026 03:17 , Alex Pattle
Mauricio Ruffy def. Michael Chandler via first-round TKO (spinning heel kick, 4:29)
“Great fight, great fight,” Trump tells Ruffy, as the Brazilian tries to speak to him through the cage.
Ruffy then speaks to Joe Rogan via a translator and says he believes he’s next up for a title shot. Tonight’s main event is a lightweight title bout...
Ruffy then asks his partner is she’ll marry him, although he did call her his wife already... Maybe that was a mistranslation.
Either way, what a place to ask!
Mauricio Ruffy scores stunning KO of Michael Chandler
Monday 15 June 2026 03:10 , Alex Pattle
Fun fight so far. Ruffy is dialing up the pressure; he has Chandler looking nervous against the fence. Spinning heel kick is blocked by Chandler BUT he felt it...
Now a takedown from Chandler, but Ruffy slips free and hurts him! Ruffy adds a body shot then a right upstairs.
Chandler shoots for a takedown, but Ruffy sprawls.
OH! Another spinning heel kick, and down goes Chandler! Ruffy with a HARD uppercut to a kneeling Chandler, and the ref steps in.
It’s all over. Three fights, three KOs.
Tyson Fury teases big announcement
Monday 15 June 2026 02:49 , Alex Pattle
This is the first time since 2021 that the British boxer has been in the USA.
“It’s been a long time and boy, oh boy, am I happy to be here.
“Freedom at the White House, and Trump’s birthday, what an event.”
Fury teases an announcement involving Dana White – possibly Fury signing with White’s Zuffa Boxing?! – but he won’t reveal anything yet.
Fury is wearing a “Donald Trump For Prime Minister” cap, by the way.
Bo Nickal stops fellow American Kyle Daukaus
Monday 15 June 2026 02:44 , Alex Pattle
Bo Nickal speaks on victory over Kyle Daukaus
Monday 15 June 2026 02:34 , Alex Pattle
Bo Nickal def. Kyle Daukaus via first-round TKO (4:34)
“It feels amazing, first and foremost I’ve gotta thank President Trump for making this happen, thank you Dana, all the UFC.
“This is unbelievable. It takes such a special person to have the balls to do something like this, I have so much respect for him.
“I visualised about 100 different ways to finish that guy, and I’m just grateful.”
Bo Nickal knocks out Kyle Daukaus in round one!
Monday 15 June 2026 02:29 , Alex Pattle
Round one
Daukaus keeps his body triangle tight, as Nickal struggles to pass the guard.
Eventually, though, Daukaus is able to make space and land another big elbow!
But referee Jason Herzog pauses the action and stands the fighters up?! Nickal is understandably unhappy.
Decent left hook from Daukaus, but he walks onto a straight punch. Daukaus needs to make this time count now.
Nickal skims a head kick off Daukaus’s head, then tags him with a right hook, and Daukaus drops! Oh, he turtles up, and it’s waved off!!
Nickal speaks to Trump at ringside.
Diego Lopes speaks on victory over Steve Garcia
Monday 15 June 2026 02:10 , Alex Pattle
Lopes: “Bro, this is unbelievable, you know?
“If you come in the middle of the cage and try to fight with me, sorry guys, I’m knocking everybody out.”
Diego Lopes def. Steve Garcia via second-round KO (punches, 2:42)
WHAT a photo this is...
Diego Lopes lands huge comeback KO on Steve Garcia!
Monday 15 June 2026 02:04 , Alex Pattle
Round two
Garcia blocks another front kick to the body. Now he steps back to evade a high kick. Decent jab by Lopes.
Garcia lands cross then a jab. He slips off the centre line to avoid an overhand, then tags Lopes with a hardddd cross. Lopes’s legs buckled slightly there.
Another good jab from Garcia, who is glanced by a cross.
OH! A huge left hook has Garcia out on his feet out of nowhere!!
Lopes with more shots in a wild exchange, both men are landing... and DOWN GOES GARCIA from another left hook!
Ground and pound puts him out! Lopes with a comeback KO win, wowwww.
Sean Strickland removed by Secret Service amid ban
Monday 15 June 2026 01:38 , Alex Pattle
Controversial UFC champion Sean Strickland claimed he was banned from this week’s events, and he’s been pictured getting removed by Secret Service!
Banned UFC fighter removed from White House event by US Secret Service
Trump and White arrive! Surreal scene
Monday 15 June 2026 01:26 , Alex Pattle
Dana White and Donald Trump have been filmed walking through the White House, and now they’re on the balcony before the South Lawn.
This is surreal.
Eric Trump denies he messaged Daniel Cormier asking if fights were 'rigged'
Monday 15 June 2026 01:23 , Alex Pattle
Alleged screenshots did the rounds tonight, appearing to show UFC champion-turned-commentator Daniel Cormier exchanging messages with Donald Trump’s son Eric, who seemed to ask whether any of the fights are “rigged”.
However, Eric Trump has now said that these screenshots were AI images. He denies they were real.
Eric Trump refutes claim he asked UFC Freedom 250 commentator if fights were ‘rigged’
Will tonight's fights be cancelled due to severe weather?
Monday 15 June 2026 01:10 , Alex Pattle
Well, here’s what UFC chief Dana White said on Friday...
“Listen, the show goes on on Sunday, no matter what happens.
“We’re going. I don’t care if it rains, snows. I’m sick and tired of hearing about all the weather now, and all the other bulls*** surrounding this event.
“WE ARE FIGHTING ON SUNDAY NIGHT ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN, no matter what!”
UFC Freedom 250 fight card in full
Monday 15 June 2026 00:39 , Alex Pattle
Subject to change; ‘C’ denotes champion:
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)
Don’t be fooled by UFC White House glitz – not all is well in Dana White’s world
Sunday 14 June 2026 23:15 , Alex Pattle
When UFC Freedom 250 plays out, with few actual fans ringside but 85,000 watching on big screens in the nearby Ellipse park, it will be glitz and glamour galore.
Mr Trump’s close friend Dana White, the UFC’s president and CEO, has said that TV-production awards should be abolished altogether if this event wins none.
It’s hyperbole, of course, to which White is more than prone, but it’s also curious because of how starkly it stands in contrast to the UFC’s weekly product.
Over the last couple of years, the UFC has come under increasing criticism for its output. A peak has passed, it feels.
Full comment:
Don’t be fooled by the UFC White House glitz – all is not well in Dana White’s world
Trump loves crashing sports events – thanks to the UFC, he’s got his own
Sunday 14 June 2026 23:00 , Alex Pattle
After a chorus of boos at the NBA finals, the president now has form for disruptive big-game appearances, with similar moments at the Ryder Cup and US Open last year.
But Trump can now watch his friend Dana White’s event from his own back garden, far from detractors...
Full comment:
Trump loves crashing sports events – thanks to the UFC, he’s got his own with a twist
Judge rejected bid to block Trump’s UFC fight at White House
Sunday 14 June 2026 22:45 , Alex Woodward
A federal judge rejected a request for an injunction to block the Trump administration from holding tonight’s fight event.
The lawsuit was filed by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of two civic activists, who accused the administration of a "deeply corrupt" scheme to benefit the president's allies.
Judge Amit Mehta ruled that the plaintiffs did not prove they would face "irreparable harm" or be "directly affected" by the event, which they do not plan to attend.
The judge stated that the for-profit elements of UFC Freedom 250 and the lack of congressional approval or environmental review were not new information.
He also stressed that the stage and all other materials would be removed immediately after the fights conclude.
Judge rejects bid to block Trump’s UFC fight at White House
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
