UFC Announces Matchups For White House Event

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje will headline the UFC event at the White House.

The matchups were announced on March 7 during UFC 326. Topuria and Gaethje will fight for the interim lightweight title. There are currently six fights scheduled, with the possibility of a seventh one being added. 

Topuria is heavily favored in this fight from betting sites like DraftKings. He’s been in mixed martial arts since 2015. He defeated Francisco Javier Asprilla by submission on April 4, 2015, in his first fight.

His first UFC fight was in 2020 against Youseff Zalal. He defeated Zalal in a unanimous decision. The fight took place in Du Forum in the United Arab Emirates. This island was nicknamed “Fight Island.” UFC held fights here in 2020 and 2021 to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Topuria is currently 17-0 in his MMA career.

Despite this, Gaethje should not be underestimated. He is a two-time lightweight champion. Gaethje got his start as a wrestler in college. He had a 5-5 record with the University of Northern Colorado. 

Gaethje got into MMA in 2011. He defeated Kevin Crook in his first fight on Aug. 20, 2011, in a knockout.

He had his first UFC fight in 2017. He defeated Michael Johnson in a technical knockout to advance his MMA record to 18-0. 

Gaethje has a 10-5 record since joining UFC. He’s won his last two fights in unanimous decisions.  

Despite the odds being against him, he is the defending champion. Having to defend his title could cause Gaethje to fight better than the bettors expect.

The White House event is scheduled for June 14. This will also be President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. UFC CEO Dana White has been friends with Trump for 25 years. White publicly endorsed Trump during the 2024 presidential election.