UFC Freedom 250 weigh-in live online: latest updates from the Ellipse | Topuria, Pereira, Gaethje...
Follow the UFC weigh-in action, live from the White House.
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UFC Freedom 250 weigh-in: live updates
Watch live: UFC Freedom 250 weigh-in
An event filled with controversy:
A federal judge on Friday refused to prevent President Trump from holding the planned event on the White House grounds.
US District Judge Amit Mehta dismissed a legal challenge brought by two residents of the Washington area, who claimed the administration had overstepped its authority by organising the event.
Among their arguments was that the White House had failed to secure congressional approval.
The plaintiffs sought an injunction that would have stopped the event from going ahead. However, Mehta ruled that they had not demonstrated they were “directly affected” by the administration's actions while also criticised the timing of the lawsuit, noting that it had been filed too late.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs expressed disappointment with the outcome but said they respected the court's ruling.
Topuria hears his song for the first time
The fighter was visibly emotional after hearing his song being played out loud on the White House lawn.
Things got a little heated earlier in the day...
The situation got spicy as Topuria faced up to Gaethje.
What was said...
“I know I’m best in the world, in two days we’re going to share the same place. I know I’m the best, just prove me wrong if you can,” said Topuria.
“I have so much experience in the cage that I am going to use that experience to be great. All I have to do is go in there and be great … I am going to go in there and put it on the line. That’s all I can do"
The controversy...
Politically, the event has also drawn scrutiny because of its association with Donald Trump and the decision to stage a major combat sports spectacle at the White House.
Critics argue that placing a UFC card at a highly symbolic government venue risks blurring the line between sport and political theatre, turning an athletic showcase into a broader statement about power, branding and national identity for a country already pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a superpower nation in the 21st century.
Trump's cap-wearing crew see it as patriotic pageantry, while most are questioning whether such a setting is appropriate for an MMA event at all.
The rest of the card:
The rest of the card reinforces the scale of the White House event, featuring fights such as Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi, Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia.
Pereira vs Gane
The co-main event adds to the drama as Alex Pereira moves up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. Pereira's power and timing at higher weight is a major part of his game, while Gane offers technical ability that could neutralise the Brazilian’s threat.
Topuria vs Gaethje
At the top of the card sits a lightweight title unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Topuria enters unbeaten (17-0-0) in the UFC and known for his precise boxing and composure under pressure, while Gaethje brings his trademark aggression, leg kicks and relentless pressure.
Welcome to the UFC Freedom 250 weigh-in!
Hello and a warm welcome to the AS USA coverage of the UFC Freedom 250 weigh-in. We've got a night of jam-packed entertainment to bring to you.
UFC Freedom 250 is one of the most ambitious events the sport has ever seen, not just for the stellar names but for the symbolism surrounding it. Set for 14 June 2026 on the White House South Lawn in Washington, D.C., the event is designed as a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, with Donald Trump in attendance.
Follow the live-feed of the event in the video link pinned to the top.
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