UFC White House: How did it get here and what can be expected
Michael Bolton
If someone said 10 years ago the UFC would have an event at the White House for Donald Trump as President, you probably would have been called insane.
Yet, on Sunday, the biggest MMA company in the World will have a full-circle moment as some of the sport's biggest stars will compete in front of the US President.
The event, called UFC Freedom 250, also lines up with Trump's birthday. An idea which started off as a wild fantasy has now become reality, in what is a chaotic time globally.
In the middle of war with Iran, backing Israel's actions in the Middle East, and questions being raised about policies by some of his biggest supporters, this event could have come at a better time for Trump.
There is also the start of the World Cup, with match officials and teams denied entry to the US and low-ticket sales dominating the headlines before a ball was kicked.
Trump and the UFC
This, however, will be a spectacle he will feel comfortable at. Since campaigning for his second term as president, his relationship with UFC CEO Dana White has grown stronger.
Often turning up to events, walking with White by his side, Trump has been greeted with cheers by the MMA community, in a sign of what the UFC has shown its support for politically.
During his first term, while White may have praised Trump and did campaign for the 2020 election, it was not on the scale of four years later.
The bigger the show, the more likely Trump is to appear. Former and current stars of the sport, such as Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, Henry Cejudo, and Justin Gaethje, have not been shy in voicing their support for Trump, and have spoken at political rallies.
In his election victory in 2024, Trump was thankful for White's work to get him elected, who often talks about help he received from Trump when the UFC was new to the world.
The US president also praised Joe Rogan, whose podcast he appeared on during campaigning.
The world's best fighters at the White House does sound like an amazing concept, but the problems and political climate will hover over this event.
Trump's invasion of Iran has not got the support he hoped, with even the likes of Rogan criticising this event while a war is going on.
The likes of Middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who would hold very similar beliefs to Trump, have also been very critical of both Trump and this event, while other fighters have raised concerns of fighting in front of just US politicans and celebrities.
UFC issues
How committed Dana White is to the UFC in 2026 has also been brought into question.
His company, Zuffa Boxing, has launched into the world of boxing, signing Conor Benn and paying him $15 million, at a time when UFC fighter pay has been under the spotlight.
No fighter would receive anywhere near that total, regardless of their success.
White has said he hopes to change the Muhammad Ali Act - a 2000 US law designed to protect boxers' rights and combat potential monopolies.
He has also had arguments with Eddie Hearn, and has claimed he will be part of any fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Ahead of Sunday, there is also the issue of only one undisputed American champion, who may not even be there in attendance.
Despite all the controversy, should this go to plan, it has the potential to be a night to remember for MMA fans.
The main event will see Illa Topuria defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje. After knocking out Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and Charles Olivera, a win on Sunday night would put him among the greats of the sport.
His speed and power have brought an excitement not seen in the sport in years. With Gaethje standing across from him, the chances of someone being knocked out are high.
It is the final chance of a title for Gaethje, who defeated Paddy Pimblett in January for the interim title.
In the co-main event, Alex Pereira has the chance to make history and become the first three-weight champion when he faces Cyril Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
Due to Tom Aspinall's eye injury last October, the timeline of his return remains unclear.
Pereira's power has been too much for both middleweight and light-heavyweight, but he will face his biggest test yet in Gane.
Sean O'Malley will also be in action when he takes on Aiemann Zahabi in the bantamweight division, while Michael Chandler will face Mauricio Ruffy.