The Octagon stars aligned earlier tonight (Fri., May 8, 2026) for the UFC White House pre-fight presser from inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, in preparation for the long-awaited Freedom 250 fight card this coming June on the White House lawn.
Leading the way at UFC’s anticipated White House card is a main event clash between UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje. In addition, former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will
move up to heavyweight and try to win a record-setting third belt when he meets Ciryl Gane for interim UFC heavyweight gold.
The rest of the historic card will be rounded out by former UFC champions, rising stars, and all-around exciting American fighters. This includes rising heavyweight contender Josh Hokit, who squares off with knockout king Derrick Lewis. Hokit, who has many characters at his disposal, actually shut down Friday’s presser with his trash talk towards Topuria and Pereira. At one point, Topuria actually threw his water on Hokit, who was eventually ushered off stage.
Check it out below:
Fans and fellow fighters may have mocked the UFC White House card’s lack of depth when it was first announced, but it has a real chance to deliver across the board. Check out the official pre-fight staredowns from Friday’s Freedom 250 press conference below and let us know who has the edge one month out from the monumental White House event!
Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje
Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane
Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus
Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia
For more UFC White House fight card news and coverage click HERE.
