In one of the most bizarre scenes in UFC history, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the top four fighters from the upcoming Freedom 250 card on June 14 to the Oval Office on Wednesday.
Those would be Justin Gaethje, lightweight champ Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira, and Ciryl Gane.
Of course, the event is being held on the White House grounds in Washington, on Trump’s birthday no less. Yet few expected him to host what amounted to a brief press conference, with Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz— long reported to have links to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and who later worked as an FBI informant— even giving a speech.
Then, there was the unveiling of a special, themed belt for the card, which is headlined by lightweight champ Topuria and American challenger/interim champ Gaethje. The only American fighter among the top four, Gaethje took time for laud Trump on Wednesday for opening his venues to the promotion back when arenas wouldn’t book them in the early years of the company.
“I’d think we’d be ten years behind if it wasn’t for you, so thank you for that,” stated Gaethje, who was still seven years away from starting his pro career the last time a UFC event was held at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, back in 2001.
Opponent Topuria, favored to retain his title next month, lauded Trump as well, saying “I never thought you would be so kind.” At the same time, he questioned why Trump wanted “to give the toughest test to your friend [Gaethje]?”
As Gaethje interjected, saying “that’s what I want,” Trump and Topuria had a little back and forth. “I want to give the hardest test, we’re going to give the hardest test. And actually each one of you is fighting your toughest test I think,” stated Trump. “You know your opponent very well, very tough.”
“I know him. Very tough opponent,” Topuria said in response.
“Do you feel good?” asked Trump. “Very good,” answered Topuria, who added that he had “complete faith” when Trump asked what his chances of winning were.
“100%, right? And they believe that too,” observed Trump, with Topuria adding that he hoped Gaethje “has that same faith. That’s going to make an amazing fight.”
The seven-fight Freedom 250 card at the White House takes place on June 14. Originally planned for July 4 to coincide with the American Semiquincentennial (250 years since the nation’s founding), the card was soon shifted to the June date, though it still carries the Freedom 250 name.
