The UFC is joining forces with the Association of Boxing Commissions for its trip to the White House in June.
On Tuesday, the promotion announced via a press release that ABC, the regulatory body that oversees a wide range of combat sports in the U.S. in conjunction with state commissions, “will serve as an independent third party to advise on the regulatory operations for the unprecedented UFC event scheduled for Sunday, June 14, on the grounds of the iconic White house.”
UFC White House is unlike
any other event the promotion has ever put together for a multitude of reasons, one of which being that the fights are taking place on federal as opposed to private property. Thus, the UFC is not required to partner with a state athletic commission, as explained by ABC President Timothy Shipman in the following statement:
As the event is being held on federal property, there is no requirement for the UFC to
select a state athletic commission to oversee the event.The UFC expresses its commitment to ensuring that this event is among the most
thoroughly regulated in the history of the sport and has requested that the ABC serve as
an independent third party to assist in assembling the most qualified group of judges,
referees, and inspectors in the world.The UFC has further confirmed that it will abide by all applicable regulatory requirements
in support of this event, including all required medical examinations, pre-bout and postbout physicals, and athlete safety protocols. All bouts on this card are officially licensed
and sanctioned contests.
UFC White House is scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the world-famous building, though exact logistics for the event are still to be determined with security a priority as President Donald Trump and staff as well as numerous high-ranking officials are expected to be in attendance. Unlike other UFC events, the show is not intended for the general public.
Trump and UFC CEO Dana White have said nearby arena Ellipse will host a free watch party for the event with a proposed capacity of 80,000-plus fans.
UFC White House is headlined by a pair of title fights with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria facing interim titleholder Justin Gaethje in a unification bout in the main event, and Alex Pereira moving up to heavyweight to fight Ciryl Gane for an interim title.
See the full lineup below.
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
