Tonight, a truly unprecedented event takes place on the White House, as seven UFC fights play out on the South Lawn.
The fight card is meant as a celebration of 250 years of the US, but it coincides with the 80th birthday of Donald Trump, a close friend of UFC chief Dana White.
Six of the seven fights feature American athletes, and the action culminates in two title bouts: Ilia Topuria’s lightweight defence against interim champion Justin Gaethje, and an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
Among the other stars competing are “Sugar” Sean O’Malley and Michael Chandler, while controversial heavyweight Josh Hokit (who mocked Topuria’s divorce this week, before pretending to throw up at the weigh-ins) faces Trump’s favourite fighter, Derrick Lewis.
The fight night follows Friday’s press conference at the Lincoln Memorial, and Saturday’s weigh-in in the Ellipse park. Follow live updates and results from UFC Freedom 250, below.
Ruffy asks partner to marry him
Mauricio Ruffy def. Michael Chandler via first-round TKO (spinning heel kick, 4:29)
“Great fight, great fight,” Trump tells Ruffy, as the Brazilian tries to speak to him through the cage.
Ruffy then speaks to Joe Rogan via a translator and says he believes he’s next up for a title shot. Tonight’s main event is a lightweight title bout…
Ruffy then asks his partner is she’ll marry him, although he did call her his wife already… Maybe that was a mistranslation.
Either way, what a place to ask!
Mauricio Ruffy scores stunning KO of Michael Chandler
Fun fight so far. Ruffy is dialing up the pressure; he has Chandler looking nervous against the fence. Spinning heel kick is blocked by Chandler BUT he felt it…
Now a takedown from Chandler, but Ruffy slips free and hurts him! Ruffy adds a body shot then a right upstairs.
Chandler shoots for a takedown, but Ruffy sprawls.
OH! Another spinning heel kick, and down goes Chandler! Ruffy with a HARD uppercut to a kneeling Chandler, and the ref steps in.
It’s all over. Three fights, three KOs.
Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler
“USA” chant as Chandler looks alert early on. He’s pressing forward, but Ruffy looks calm. The Brazilian is the much-taller fighter.
A few low kicks from Chandler early, but now one from Ruffy, then a decent jab.
Chandler toys with the idea of a takedown once or twice, but he doesn’t commit. A grazing right cross from Ruffy, now one from Chandler. Chandler’s face looks red already.
Ruffy with a spinning back kick to the body. He loves those sorts of flashy kicks. Superman punch off the cage by Chandler!
Michael Chandler vs Mauricio Ruffy up next
Chandler, 40, is actually the biggest underdog on the card. Can he pull off the upset?
Michael Chandler vs Mauricio Ruffy up next
US lightweight Chandler is NEVER is dull fights, and he faces a tough test against Brazil’s Ruffy, who is a big betting favourite.
Michael Chandler vs Mauricio Ruffy up next
This could be another corker of a fight.
Tyson Fury teases big announcement
This is the first time since 2021 that the British boxer has been in the USA.
“It’s been a long time and boy, oh boy, am I happy to be here.
“Freedom at the White House, and Trump’s birthday, what an event.”
Fury teases an announcement involving Dana White – possibly Fury signing with White’s Zuffa Boxing?! – but he won’t reveal anything yet.
Fury is wearing a “Donald Trump For Prime Minister” cap, by the way.
Tyson Fury is here?!
“American Pie” gives way to “Sex On Fire”, as British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury makes an entrance!
Didn’t expect that!
Tyson Fury is here?!
“American Pie” gives way to “Sex On Fire”, as British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury makes an entrance!
Didn’t expect that!
Zac Brown Band and uncanny (AI?) video package
There’s a bit of a wait for the next fight, so the UFC shows some footage from the Zac Brown Band’s performance this week, and now we’ve got an uncanny video package about the history of the USA (and how it’s linked to fighting?). It seems to be AI, I’d say.
