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The highly anticipated UFC Freedom 250 is poised to take center stage on the South Lawn of the White House, where a custom-built, 28-meter tall metal structure surrounds the octagon, specially erected for this landmark event. Preparations are in their final phase ahead of Sunday’s showdown, promising an extraordinary spectacle.
UFC CEO Dana White has revealed that the overall expenditure for the event approaches $60 million, highlighting the scale and ambition behind this production. The marquee fight will feature lightweight champion Ilia Topuria defending his title against contender Justin Gaethje. Additionally, Alex Pereira has gained significant weight to challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship, adding another layer of excitement to the card.
Broadcasting the event to a worldwide audience expected to reach 125 million viewers, the seven-bout card will be available in the United States via Paramount+. Meanwhile, spectators on the ground will gather in record numbers, with an anticipated crowd of approximately 85,000 congregating at Ellipse Park, where giant LED screens will relay the action live.
Exclusive Guest List and Attendance
The event will be witnessed firsthand by over 4,000 specially invited guests seated ringside on the South Lawn. Invitations were extended personally by Dana White and President Donald Trump, who together have carefully curated the attendee list. The president himself has invited 1,000 guests, while White and TKO CEO Ari Emanuel each hold the privilege of allocating 200 seats. The remaining invitations are designated for members of the US military, reflecting the event’s patriotic undertones and broad appeal.
While many high-profile figures from Hollywood were invited by White and Trump to join the occasion, not all have confirmed their attendance, leaving some uncertainty around the final guest roster. Nevertheless, the blend of sports, politics, and entertainment is set to define UFC Freedom 250 as a unique and historic event.
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