Ilia Topuria is set to defend his lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje in the headline bout of the upcoming UFC White House event.
The co-main event will feature Alex Pereira stepping up to the heavyweight division to challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim title on June 14 while current champion Tom Aspinall is on the mend from double eye surgery. Notably absent from the card is Conor McGregor, who disclosed being left out and plans to return to action in July.
Michael Chandler will be in action against Mauricio Ruffy, instead of the rumored McGregor showdown on President Donald Trump’s front lawn. Additionally, former bantamweight world champion Sean O’Malley will face Aiemann Zahabi. The event will also include matchups between Bo Nickal and Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes against Steve Garcia.
UFC CEO Dana White expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the competitive matchups. He praised Pereira’s potential to become a triple champion and emphasized the anticipated showdown between Topuria and Gaethje.
Despite facing challenges in finalizing the fight card, White confirmed the completion of the lineup with last-minute adjustments. The event is set to take place in Washington, D.C., with White hinting at potential future matchups, including a possible showdown between Pereira and Aspinall.
The announcement ruled out a return for Jon Jones, the former light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion, who had been connected to a potential clash with Pereira following his decision to vacate his 205lb title and move up a weight class.