Late last week, the UFC announced that the Association of Boxing Commissions would oversee “Freedom 250,” a.k.a. UFC White House, on the White House grounds in Washington, D.C. on June 14.
While regulation is always welcome, the selection of the ABC over the District of Columbia commission has raised eyebrows.
In a press release distributed to media outlets including Cageside Press, the UFC cited Association of Boxing Commissions President Timothy Shipman, as saying that “As the event is being held on federal property, there is no requirement for the UFC to select a state athletic commission to oversee the event.”
“The UFC expresses its commitment to ensuring that this event is among the most thoroughly regulated in the history of the sport and has requested that the ABC serve as an independent third party to assist in assembling the most qualified group of judges, referees, and inspectors in the world.
“The UFC has further confirmed that it will abide by all applicable regulatory requirements in support of this event, including all required medical examinations, pre-bout and post-bout physicals, and athlete safety protocols. All bouts on this card are officially licensed and sanctioned contests.”
UFC Senior Vice President, UFC Government & Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner stated that “UFC is the gold standard for athlete health and safety in combat sports – bar none, and we will absolutely bring those same industry leading standards to this incredible, unique event at the White House,” in that same press release. “We thank the Association of Boxing Commissions for lending their expertise to ensure the highest standards of competitive integrity and professional governance to a truly unprecedented stage for MMA.”
The decision to run with the ABC has left the DC Combat Sports Commission crying foul. In comments to Severe MMA, DC Combat Sports Commission Chairman, Andrew Huff, revealed that in February 2026, Ratner informed his office that the UFC would be proceeding without them, noting that the fights were on federal land.
“The right thing to do is to work with us,” Huff told Severe MMA. “Government isn’t fun, it’s not sexy, it’s not on the minds of the people who go to these events. But it’s a vital part of ensuring the safety and well-being of the fighters, as well as protecting the consumer.”
With the UFC moving forward without them and utilizing the UFC instead, Huff said in a statement that “The ABC is not a sanctioning body and has no authority in the District of Columbia. While I am relieved to learn that an additional organization will maintain some sort of oversight of the UFC White House event, I am disappointed that the ABC, which represents Commissions across the United States, including in the District of Columbia, has chosen to ignore our Commission’s laws and authority. It sets a dangerous precedent for all commissions and the industry as a whole.”
