Topuria and Gaethje Clash at UFC White House Event

WHO:

BBC - Ilia Topuria, lightweight champion, age 29; Justin Gaethje, interim title holder, age 37; Dana White, UFC president; Ciryl Gane, fighter from France; Alex Pereira, fighter from Brazil; Josh Hokit, American heavyweight.

WHAT:

BBC - Ilia Topuria shoved Justin Gaethje during a news conference.

BBC - Topuria predicted he would "knock his lights out in the first round."

BBC - Topuria stated, "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."

BBC - The event is called UFC Freedom 250.

BBC - If Alex Pereira wins, he will become the first fighter in UFC history to win belts in three divisions.

WHERE:

BBC - The news conference was held in Washington DC, in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

BBC - The event will take place on the South Lawn of the White House.

WHEN:

BBC - UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled for US President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.

WHY:

BBC - The event is part of celebrations to mark 250 years of American independence.

HOW:

BBC - The fighters were provided a guard of honour by the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets before taking their seats.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 06:23 UTC)

In a heated moment at a news conference in front of the Lincoln Memorial, lightweight champion Ilia Topuria shoved interim title holder Justin Gaethje and boldly predicted he would "knock his lights out in the first round." The upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event, scheduled for US President Trump's 80th birthday, will take place on the South Lawn of the White House and celebrates 250 years of American independence. If Alex Pereira wins, he will make history as the first fighter in UFC to hold belts in three divisions, and the fighters were honored with a guard of honour by the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets before taking their seats.