Set Is Ready: Inside the UFC Octagon at the White House

The special event is drawing closer, and the organization has released photos: “Just crazy, it looks unreal.”

Sports 5 Published: 11.06.26, 13:20

“It looks unreal” (from the UFC’s social media) | Photo: Sports 5

After a great deal of anticipation, UFC event “Freedom 250,” set to take place at the White House, is getting closer. Dana White’s organization is arriving at the United States government building in Washington to mark America’s 250 years of independence, alongside celebrations for President Donald Trump’s birthday.

Ahead of the event, the organization’s cage has already been set up on the White House lawn, and the UFC published photos overnight of the spectacle waiting for MMA fans soon.

As can be seen in the photos below, this is an enormous structure built by the organization, with seats all around and a roof above the octagon itself, in an attempt to prevent some of the rain, if it falls during the event that will be held outdoors.

As recalled, many voices have expressed concern about the fact that this is an outdoor event, and not in a closed arena as the vast majority of MMA events around the world take place. UFC President Dana White himself also said he is somewhat concerned about the weather conditions, but made it clear to fans that three different canvases are waiting for this event, and if the cage canvas gets wet, it can be replaced quickly.

You can see the UFC White House set up flying into DC pic.twitter.com/pJ6xIP0ZgO, Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) June 11, 2026

The event, which will be broadcast live on 5PLUS on the night between Sunday and Monday, will feature seven major fights, including two spectacular title bouts. In the co-main event, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will fight for the interim heavyweight belt, which will also determine the next opponent for champion Tom Aspinall for the undisputed title.

In the main event, Ilia Topuria will defend his belt against Justin Gaethje in a heated matchup between two fighters who have not particularly liked each other of late.

The full card for the event: MM4

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