Justin Gaethje and Ciryl Gane win at UFC Freedom 250 on White House lawn
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 3:49 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
UFC Freedom 250 took place on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026, featuring notable fights amid controversy. Justin Gaethje won the lightweight title against Ilia Topuria, with Topuria's corner throwing in the towel after four rounds. In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane claimed the interim heavyweight championship by TKO against Alex Pereira in the second round. The event attracted nearly 4,000 fans and significant attention both for its combat sports significance and its political optics.
- •Justin Gaethje claims the lightweight title after defeating Ilia Topuria.
- •Ciryl Gane wins the interim heavyweight championship against Alex Pereira.
- •UFC Freedom 250 is the promotion's first event at the White House.
- •Event attended by nearly 4,000 fans, with 80,000 watching nearby.
- •Controversy arose over hosting a sporting event during ongoing conflict.
- 3:49 PMYahoo Sports — History on the South Lawn: Gaethje and Gane emerge as champions at UFC Freedom 250
"Critics questioned the optics of hosting a major sporting event at the White House while the United States remains involved in a war overseas. Supporters viewed the event as a celebration of combat sports and national pride.
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