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UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria Speaks at White House Ceremonial Weigh-Ins for UFC Freedom 250
Topuria addressed the meaning of the event ahead of his title unification bout against Justin Gaethje. The fight is set for the South Lawn on June 15.
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UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria spoke at the ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026. He addressed the personal meaning of competing in the main event at the White House. Topuria said he had heard the phrase “American dream” since childhood.
He stated that the bout would allow him to live that dream. Tomorrow night we are going to live the American dream,” Topuria said. Topuria predicted victory and an 18-0 record. ” Topuria holds a professional record of 17-0.
He is scheduled to face interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout. The UFC Freedom 250 main event is set for the South Lawn of the White House on June 15, 2026. com reported that the card marks the first UFC event staged at the presidential residence.
Topuria was born in Germany to Georgian parents and built his fighting career in Spain. He captured the featherweight title before knocking out Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight championship. Across fight week, Topuria and Gaethje exchanged words and engaged in tense faceoffs.
Topuria described the White House bout as the culmination of a journey that has taken him across multiple countries.
