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UFC's White House event divides opinion, but the fighters love it
It’s one of the most far-fetched and polarising sporting events in history, but the athletes involved with UFC’s White House card are behind the bold move.
After years of build-up between US President Donald Trump and UFC boss Dana White about the historic event, things finally come to a head on Monday (AEST).
Mauricio Ruffy is one of the featured fighters on the White House card. Instagram/@ruffy_mma
Trump and White have a relationship dating back decades, with the businessman turned politician attending countless UFC shows over the years.
That close relationship and the event that it has spurned has divided opinion, as White and Trump try to delicately balance the line between politics and sport.
But if you ask the athletes, the criticism of UFC Freedom 250 doesn’t faze them.
Some of the biggest names in MMA will compete on the seven-fight card, while Australia’s own Alexander Volkanovski will be involved in a non-fighting capacity.
The two-time champion admitted he was sceptical about the event coming to fruition, but the UFC’s track record at making history was too hard to ignore.
“You heard them talk about it and thought ‘I don’t know’ but then, the more you thought about it, maybe you could see Trump and Dana do something like that,” Volkanovski told nine.com.au at Sportsbet’s FIFA World Cup launch last week.
“For this to actually happen - whether you love them or hate them - the UFC do a great job of making big things happen and pulling off things not many others can.
“They were the first during the COVID times to get sport going and that was major for them and it obviously levelled the UFC up. They had a big event at the Sphere [in Las Vegas] and then something like this, it’s all history-making stuff.
“The whole world’s gonna be watching, purely because it shouldn’t be happening.
“It’s pretty cool to not only be part of a promotion doing that, but being part of the actual event, it’s gonna be crazy ... I don’t know what to expect.”
While he won’t be walking out to Men At Work’s Down Under and throwing hands, Volkanovski will have a role to play in Washington when he corners lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy in his fight against Michael Chandler.
Ruffy, who earlier this year produced a stunning knockout win over Rafael Fiziev in Sydney, spoke to nine.com.au prior to the White House event about why he answered the call from UFC brass and what the opportunity means to him.
Mauricio Ruffy lands a head kick against Rafael Fiziev. Getty
“I’m just enjoying the historic opportunity and grateful for what the UFC is giving me, but this life I’m living now is very new to me,” he said, through a translator.
“It’s a unique and historic event, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I don’t think this is ever going to happen again, which is why fighters want to be part of it.
“You can’t not want to compete on this card. I can’t really speak about the politics of it all because I’m from Brazil and things are different over there - but as far as the fights are concerned, the whole world is looking at this.
“The UFC is already the largest organisation in the world, so imagine what it will be like after June 14 at the White House? Even more eyeballs will be there for us.
“If I think about everything I’ve gone through in my life and what people thought I’d be able to accomplish or not ... I look at this as blessing, to be where I am now.”
Justin Gaethje, who will challenge Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title in the main event, was far less diplomatic when asked about critics of the White House card.
“I’ve never thought about it being political, but obviously it’s turned into that and you’re never gonna make everybody happy,” he told Kayo Sports.
“There’s a huge number of people very upset because they’re f-----g losers.”
Justin Gaethje speaks at the press conference. Getty
While the event won’t have Volkanovski defending his title, there will be one honorary Australian competing in Ruffy.
Despite being born on the other side of the world in Brazil, the 29-year-old has struck up a close bond with Volkanovski after the pair trained together, competed - and won - on the same card at Qudos Bank Arena in February.
Volkanovski has flown over to the US to be part of the lightweight’s preparations and will be in his corner when he takes on Chandler.
And if you ask Ruffy, he’ll be flying the flag for two countries on the big stage.
“I’ve been joking with Volk about this - I think I represent Australia as well now, because of the way everyone welcomed me into the country,” the Brazilian said.
“The people were all so nice to me, stopping me in the streets to take pictures ... it was an amazing experience, I loved Australia.
“Volk himself did more than I could have ever expected or deserved, welcoming me into his environment. He’s one of the greats and someone who I appreciate and admire so much - not only as a fighter, but as a person as well.
Alexander Volkanovski and Mauricio Ruffy have become close mates. Instagram/@alexvolkanovski
“He’s an amazing man and someone who is a family guy. I have to thank God for putting people like Volk in front of me and welcoming me in Australia.
“I never want to be far from Volk. He’s going to be in my corner this week and the opportunity to work with him, I always want to keep that relationship close.”
Ruffy (13-2) said he feels ‘more prepared’ than his opponent, claiming that ‘we have seen everything Chandler can do’ inside the cage and also vowed not to leave the result in the hands of the judges, hinting at a knockout victory.
The No.9-ranked lightweight is hopeful a dominant win over Chandler will place him in title contention, potentially facing the winner of Topuria and Gaethje.
Here’s everything you need to know for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.
What time is UFC Freedom 250 in Australia?
The seven-fight card will begin at 10am AEST.
Usually, pay-per-view main cards with five fights run for close to three hours, so expect this to be closer to a four-hour event.
How to watch UFC Freedom 250 in Australia
UFC Freedom 250 will be available to purchase for $60 via Foxtel or Kayo Sports.
Where is UFC Freedom 250?
If it wasn’t obvious yet - the card will be held at the front of the White House lawn in Washington, DC.
UFC Freedom 250 full fight card
- Ilia Topuria (c) vs Justin Gaethje - UFC lightweight title
- Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane - UFC interim heavyweight title
- Sean O’Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi - bantamweight
- Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler - lightweight
- Derrick Lewis vs Josh Hokit - heavyweight
- Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukus - middleweight
- Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia - featherweight
Ilia Topuria poses with his two UFC title belts. Getty
Why is the UFC called Freedom 250?
The event is called UFC Freedom 250 as part of the 250-year anniversary celebrations of American independence.
Can you buy tickets for UFC Freedom 250?
No, tickets are not available for the public to purchase to attend UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn.
The event will only be invite-only for military personnel, VIPs and staff.
