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In about six weeks, arguably the most anticipated UFC event of all time will take place when some of the best fighters in the world step into the Octagon on the South Lawn of the White House.
UFC Freedom 250, also known as UFC White House, will take place on June 14, President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
In-ring announcer Bruce Buffer is limiting his enthusiasm for the moment, saying he has “a lot of other exciting things to do between now and then” but “I’ll be super excited that week.”
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UFC announcer Bruce Buffer stands before the fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg during UFC 327 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on April 11, 2026. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)
But while reserving his enthusiasm until he gets closer, he already knows the importance of the event.
“I think because of the publicity it’s going to get and everything else, it’s going to be one of the most watched UFC events, not the most watched in history,” Buffer told PK Press Club Digital.
“Obviously, it’s an honor for the fighters to fight on the lawns of the White House and an honor for me to announce and do my part. It’s another show, but it’s going to be a show, that’s for sure.”
Some UFC fans were rather disappointed when the card was announced, however. The long-awaited return of Conor McGregor that fans wanted against Michael Chandler isn’t happening, and while everyone is calling for a heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, that too isn’t happening.
UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer stands in the octagon during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
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However, the card is still nothing to sneeze at, as Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria will headline the event for the UFC Lightweight Championship, with Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane co-main eventing.
“It’s an exciting card. Look, every time fans say it’s a little disappointing or whatever, it becomes one of the most exciting events ever,” Buffer said. “You have fight nights where you don’t recognize certain names and you’re like, ‘Oh, what is that about?’ Then you watch the fights and you go, “Oh my God, look at these fights. They are incredible. Right?
“All I can say is appreciate the fact that you have the entertainment of the UFC to watch, that they provide the entertainment value and that the fighters put their blood, sweat and tears on the line. There are a lot of events, not everyone is going to have Jon Jones and Conor. And I think that every time they come back and they fight again, I would love to see Jon fight again. I would love to see Conor fight again. But until then we have a lot of great fighters there, a lot of great fights to watch so for me it’s always exciting.
President Donald Trump attends the UFC 327 event with UFC President Dana White at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on April 11, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
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Chandler will face Mauricio Ruffy, and other fighters on the card include Bo Nickal and Sean O’Malley.
