UFC White House card sparks debate as Dana White responds to critics

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Dana White has made it clear that his planned UFC event at the White House is not meant to be political.

The UFC boss is set to host a special card at President Donald Trump’s official residence on June 14, though he’s been quick to dismiss any notion that it’s tied to the election. Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje tops a seven-fight lineup that White says is being misunderstood by some fans and media members.

Dana White frames UFC Freedom 250 as a celebration, not a political event

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During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Dana White was asked if he wanted to clear up any misinformation about the UFC’s upcoming event at the White House.

He started by explaining that the promotion is covering all costs associated with the card.

“We’re paying the entire bill on all of this,” White said on Tuesday. “Everything that you see. Not one tax dollar will go into this.

“This is the UFC’s gift for the 250th birthday of America.”

White also pushed back against suggestions that there was any political angle to what’s being called UFC Freedom 250.

“One of the myths that I’d like to crush is, I don’t care if you’re far right, far left, or right down the middle,” he continued.

“Wherever you sit politically, because everybody sits somewhere politically these days. This isn’t about politics. This is about the United States, what this country is about, how it was built, and where we all came from. If you love America, you’re gonna love this event.

“It has nothing to do with politics. We just happen to be on the White House lawn and President Trump will be there.”

Full UFC White House fight card confirmed

Originally, there were six fights confirmed for the card, but a seventh bout was added during UFC 327.

Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit is a late addition to the line-up, which now sits as:

• Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje
• Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane
• Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
• Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
• Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus
• Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia
• Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit

White stated that he’s only willing to add another contest if President Trump requests it.

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