Sunday night will see the most unique event in UFC history as the world-famous Octagon hosts a seven-fight card on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington DC.
The event promises to be a spectacular occasion as the UFC looks to celebrate the 250th birthday of United States of America with a packed night of fights.
Ahead of fight night, we take a look at the fight card and pick out three key questions that we’ll get answers to as the action unfolds at the White House on Sunday night.
Can Justin Gaethje succeed where the rest of Ilia Topuria’s opponents have failed?
Ilia Topuria is one of the UFC’s very best pound-for-pound stars. The 17-0 lightweight champion, who previously held the featherweight belt before jumping up a weight class to capture the 155-pound title, is as good a talent as you’ll find anywhere in the sport. So, given his incredible skillset and ability to deliver on the big stage, any challenger faces a major test when they share the Octagon with “El Matador.”
That task falls to interim champion Justin Gaethje, who captured his title with a thrilling win over Paddy Pimblett to set up this title unification battle. He’s the only American on the card who can capture a championship belt at the White House, and he’ll be hoping for the biggest performance of his career on this unique occasion. He’ll need it, too.
But if there’s anyone who can rise to the occasion on a night like this, it’s Gaethje. “The Highlight” has produced some of the most thrilling performances in UFC history, and he has the ability to fight with power and pressure to put even the very best out of their comfort zone. Also, the occasion won’t be too big for him – Gaethje thrives on the big nights. But will he have enough to dethrone Topuria? We’re going to find out on Sunday night.
Can Alex Pereira make UFC history?
Alex Pereira has already put himself into the UFC’s group of all-time greats, having stepped into mixed martial arts from kickboxing and captured UFC championships in two different weight classes. Now, the former middleweight and light heavyweight champion will look to make history as he fights for the vacant interim heavyweight title on Sunday night.
Standing in his way is former interim champ Ciryl Gane, whose own striking style will offer a fascinating challenge to the Brazilian. When he’s on top form, Gane is a nightmare for almost anyone in the world at heavyweight, but against Pereira, the Frenchman is facing an elite striker who, in addition to his two UFC titles, previously captured kickboxing world championships in two weight classes with GLORY.
If Pereira can get the job done at the White House, he’ll etch his name into the history books as the first fighter to capture major MMA championships in three different weight classes. And with the winner set to face undisputed champion Tom Aspinall once the British star returns from double eye surgery, a titanic clash could be next for the night’s big winner.
Can the UFC really pull this off successfully?
When it comes to preparing for unique UFC events, the production team, led by Craig Borsari, have every angle covered. Borsari and his team have had special challenges like this before, having created a special COVID-safe environment for UFC Fight Island on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi during the pandemic. Borsari and his team also embraced the challenge of building an event in the state-of-the-art environment of the Sphere in Las Vegas, where the UFC’s Noche event delivered a spectacular occasion for UFC 306.
At the White House, the UFC team has to deal with something they haven’t had to contend with before – an outdoor event – as well as the plethora of security measures and considerations that come with holding an event at the White House. The setting will be spectacular, with the White House serving as the backdrop for the event. And while there will be cover above the Octagon to protect the fighters, and the canvas, from the elements, everyone will be hoping the Washington DC weather is kind to avoid any difficulties during the fights themselves.
