A select group of UFC fighters shared their initial reactions following the official announcement of the groundbreaking ‘UFC Freedom 250’ event, set to take place at the White House on June 14. The full card was revealed earlier today during UFC 326.
This unprecedented event will feature six contests held on the South Lawn, including two highly anticipated championship bouts.
Fighter Reactions to the Historic UFC Freedom 250 Lineup
Headlining this truly unique occasion will be a lightweight title unification clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
Ilia Topuria, who had confidently anticipated his participation, quickly responded to the news, seeing his prediction come to fruition. ‘El Matador’ issued a terse warning to his upcoming adversary, Gaethje, by posting a simple message online: “18-0 🌹”
Justin Gaethje, the co-headliner, was present at the T-Mobile Arena during UFC 326 when the fight card was unveiled. ‘The Highlight’ remarked, acknowledging prior knowledge and deep emotion: “I kind of knew. It’s amazing. I’m not almost crying, but I’m very proud.”
Ciryl Gane, slated for the co-main event, reacted with an emoji sequence — “🫱🏾🫲🏽🗿💥” — upon learning he would face Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight championship on June 14.
Sean O’Malley, seemingly surprised by his inclusion, expressed his excitement about facing Aiemann Zahabi at the White House. The former bantamweight champion admitted to actively lobbying the UFC for a spot on this extraordinary card, stating, “I told UFC, ‘I would love to fight at the White House card. Please let me fight at the White House. I’ll fight anybody.”
Aiemann Zahabi, O’Malley’s opponent, conveyed immense enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete at the White House, sharing his excitement across various social media platforms.
Bo Nickal, who had previously voiced a desire to fight Colby Covington, will instead compete against Kyle Daukaus. Nickal’s concise response to the announcement was, “See you at the White House”.
Kyle Daukaus shared his feelings on social media, describing the opportunity as “Honored. Grateful. Undeniable. #UFC #Freedom250 #MMA”.
Reactions from other fighters, including Michael Chandler, Mauricio Ruffy, and Diego Lopes, were also noted following the announcement. UFC President Dana White also commented on the unveiling of the UFC Freedom 250 fight card.
