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Inside White House UFC ‘Freedom 250’ tied to Trump birthday

June 15, 2026 | | Print Article

Fighters weren’t alone in winning at UFC Freedom 250 as patriotism and the president each had their own moments to shine from the White House South Lawn.

Despite attempted lawfare and vociferous critics, a mixed martial arts spectacle unfolded at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on Sunday with only a minor delay. There, participants and viewers alike reveled in love for country as well as celebrating the 80th birthday of President Donald Trump.

From his own walkout from the Oval Office alongside UFC President Dana White, to joining in congratulating victors and taking photos from within the octagon, the president was as much a focus for the historic event as the fights themselves.

Included was a moment after Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria, where Trump and First Lady Melania Trump entered the ring to congratulate the fighter, who quickly introduced the couple to the “biggest fan,” his own mother.

Highlights from the evening — attended by cabinet members like Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as First Family members Donald Trump Jr. and wife Bettina, Eric Trump and wife Lara, Ivanka Trump, Barron Trump, and many of the president’s grandchildren — included enthusiastic chants of “USA!” from a crowd heavily populated with active-duty military.

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After Josh Hokit defeated Derrick Lewis, he was seen at the edge of the octagon presenting the president with some “New bling” in the form of a gold chain.

Other noteworthy attendees at the contest, where fighter Sean O’Malley was seen saluting inside and outside the octagon in addition to shaking hands with the president, included Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the NHL’s Brady and Matthew Tkachuk — with their Olympic gold medals — and what many suspected was Pope Leo XIV’s brother Louis Prevost rubbing elbows with Vice President J.D. Vance.

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Despite the success of Freedom 250 that included two flyovers, including from a B-1B lancer after dark, White contended that another such event would not be for some time as the exorbitant cost was something he needed to recoup first.

Meanwhile, Trump shared his own thoughts ahead of even more celebrations to mark America’s semiquincentennial, posting to Truth Social, “The UFC at the White House last night was incredible. The weather was scheduled to be horrendous, and it turned out to be PERFECT! So much for weather predicting. The Fighters were outstanding — Bo Nickal, Justin Gaethje, Ciryl Gane, Sean O’Malley, Josh Hokit, Mauricio Ruffy, and Diego Lopes were all unbelievable.”

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“Most people have never seen anything like that kind of human speed and power before,” he went on. “The White House has never looked more beautiful. The setting was unsurpassed! Congratulations to Dana White, and his unbelievable UFC. One of the most exciting days in the History of our fabled White House!”

Kevin Haggerty
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