It’s official! Topuria will defend his title against Gaethje at UFC Casa Blanca

When the UFC 326 main card was only two fights in, Dana White dropped a bombshell. After months of anticipation, the UFC president finally unveiled the lineup for UFC White House, which he’s calling the biggest event in company history. Ilia Topuria will headline the card, defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje. “We’ve done everything we can. We’ve been working on this for a long time,” White said.

The CEO of the world’s top MMA promotion teamed up with President Donald Trump to stage an event at the White House as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. And they chose June 14, which also happens to be Trump’s 80th birthday. He’ll be able to blow out the candles while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes — he’s been spotted cageside at UFC events countless times. Expectations were sky‑high: the president wanted every fight on the card to feature a championship belt and to include the sport’s biggest names, from Conor McGregor to Jon Jones.

And the surprises kept coming until the very last minute. Just a day before the official announcement, White revealed that one of the planned fights had unexpectedly fallen apart. “One of the fights we worked really hard on for UFC White House just got canceled. I think Hunter Campbell is going to lose his mind. It’s a really tough one,” he told Nina Drama in an interview. Many believe he was referring to Jon Jones, who had said he was in talks to return to the Octagon for this historic event.

In the end, Topuria will take center stage. His participation was in doubt until the final hours, with political and social factors potentially working against him. UFC White House is shaping up to be the most patriotic event the company has ever produced — and having a Spanish champion potentially knocking out (a very real possibility) an American fan favorite wasn’t exactly the ideal storyline. Still, the UFC decided its biggest event needed its biggest star.

Pereira chases a third crown

Topuria’s return isn’t the only major attraction. Alex Pereira is moving up to a third weight class — something no fighter has ever done — to face Ciryl Gane, the No. 1 heavyweight contender, for the interim heavyweight title. With Tom Aspinall sidelined due to an eye injury suffered in his fight against Gane, “Poatan” now has a clear path toward a historic third championship belt.

The card will also feature former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, who will take on Aiemann Zahabi. Mauricio Ruffy is set to face Michael Chandler, who, according to Conor McGregor, had originally been lined up to fight him in what was supposed to be McGregor’s White House comeback. Bo Nickal will meet Chris Daukaus, and Diego Lopes will square off with Steve Garcia.

In short: this card is stacked.

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