UFC Freedom 250 is Live on Sunday at 8:00 PM ET
(Main card picks listed at the bottom of the article)
UFC Freedom 250 Introduction
Skeptics are in disbelief. Combat sports fanatics are in their glory.
A UFC event at the White House is just hours away.
From the lips of the president, to the ears of the promotion, to the construction of an octagon on the South Lawn, the fight night at the US capital will finally materialize on Sunday night.
The inception of the unimaginable extravaganza dates back nearly a year. On July 3rd, 2025, President Donald Trump casually mentioned Dana White and the UFC brass will be hosting a fighting spectacle at the presidential residence to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
The leading mixed martial arts organization had to pull out all the stops for what is perhaps the boldest endeavor in sports history. Matchmakers have formulated a seven-fight card filled with alluring skirmishes, two of which are championship melees. Further adding to the madness, the brightest stars on the UFC roster, including Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira, and Sean O’Malley, will all grace the unforgettable stage.
Main Event Preview
Headlining responsibilities at UFC Freedom 250 will fall upon the lightweight division. Since the humble origins of the organization to the now mainstream presence of the UFC, the 155-pound weight class has routinely produced high-level talent and entertaining displays.
Considering the unflappable consistency of the lightweights, a main event placement on the monumental White House card seems to be a no-brainer. However, the selection is less an ode to the trusty class of fighters as it is an acknowledgement of the stardom of champion Ilia “El Matador” Topuria.
Somewhere along the timeline of the past two years, the Spanish-Georgian killer graduated from sensational phenom to certified global icon. Though Topuria certainly possesses many of the defining qualities of an engaging superstar (ultra-confidence, stylish swagger, charming charisma), his flourishing status can be attributed largely to jaw-dropping performances within the octagon.
The lightweight champ has compiled a remarkably impressive list of knockout victims. In his previous three contests, El Matador prescribed three doses of NyQuil to three all-time legends, sleeping Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira in succession.
A first round stunner over Oliveira last June at UFC 317 ushered Topuria into rarified air as the former featherweight king added the lightweight belt to his trophy case. Having claimed a pair of gold straps, Topuria became just the tenth fighter to be crowned champion in two different weight divisions.
Although the championship victories are already sufficient in asserting his dominance over his contemporaries, the full experience of Ilia Topuria would be incomplete without a few flashy extracurricular antics. El Matador has become infamous for one ritual in particular.
After each win, Topuria lays a rose on the canvas in honor of his crushed opponents. The tradition teeters somewhere between classiness and cockiness, yet the ceremony seems warranted as the double champ remains unbeaten inside the cage.
Reports from Topuria’s personal gardener suggest that Ilia has prepared a slightly altered surprise for his bout at the United States capital (this is a facetious comment, of course). Instead of the red roses offered up to earlier foes, Topuria will plant a white rose in the gardens of the South Lawn.
However, a spirited veteran seeks to sabotage the soil and prevent any inessential horticulture from transpiring. In the corner opposite Topuria, Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje plots to dethrone the Spanish-Georgian king.
For most mixed martial artists, their self-proclaimed nickname is simply decorative tissue. As it pertains to Justin Gaethje, the moniker “The Highlight” is an embodied principle. The American bruiser is in fact a walking reel of violent, captivating moments. When Gaethje is booked as one-half of an impending bout, the fanbase gears up to witness a car crash.
Although his uninhibited combat style is perilous, and borders on mere recklessness, the approach continually bears fruit for the seasoned warrior. The Highlight has prevailed as a staple in the lightweight division for nearly a decade. Despite falling short of the undisputed title on two occasions, Gaethje currently holds the interim belt, which he also previously claimed in 2020.
At UFC 324 in January, the American brawler overpowered fellow lightweight contender Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett in a bloody five-round war for interim gold. The provisional belt was instituted as the reigning Topuria decided to briefly step away from competition due to a familial situation.
On Sunday night, with the White House looming in the background, Topuria and Gaethje meet to unify their titles.
For those greedy fanatics to whom a simple title matchup is not alluring enough, the dramatic appeal of the upcoming headliner will further be bolstered by a tinge of personal animosity. A subtle exchange of psychological warfare was initiated when a video surfaced of Gaethje’s father speaking somewhat condescendingly about El Matador.
The slick talking Topuria responded by insisting he will quickly starch Gaethje in their duel. Tempers further flared when the American fighter made his own instigating remarks addressing the private matters which sidelined Topuria for nearly a year.
Throughout fight week, the two have continued their bickering. Conveniently enough, as always is the case in combat sports, the foes will have the opportunity to physically settle their beef in the cage on Sunday.
Fight Breakdown
Tabling talks of any verbal altercations leading up to the fight, the action within the octagon projects to be a lop-sided showing. Oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook favor Topuria as a -560 frontrunner while Gaethje sits as a +370 underdog.
The heavy endorsement of El Matador on the betting lines comes as little surprise. A knockout victory has become the overwhelming expectation each time he touches the canvas. Topuria harnesses unparalleled, unprecedented power in his hands. When he lands clean, his opponents cripple.
Nevertheless, his iron fists are more than simply a God-gifted attribute. The Spanish-Georgian champ has masterful boxing technique which catalyzes his power. In every exchange, Topuria keeps his hands loaded and his base grounded to the floor.
Whether patiently stalking his prey or fighting on the back foot, he employs very slight, calculated movements to ensure he is never out of position. When an opportunity presents itself, he simply unleashes the stored kinetic energy, and oftentimes ends the night.
Fortunately for the Gaethje camp, the American will likely be Topuria’s most durable dance partner to date. The Highlight possesses a very sturdy chin. In fact, by some inverse logic, Gaethje actually appears to perform better after absorbing a few blows. Yet, the interim titleholder would be wise to tweak his gameplan to limit damage.
In his most recent bout with Paddy Pimblett, the veteran lightweight was insistent upon applying constant forward pressure. The aggressive strategy paid dividends. Nonetheless, such tactics have backfired for those facing El Matador in the past.
Most notably, Charles Oliveira walked himself (quite literally) into an unfortunate downfall by constantly marching towards the Spanish-Georgian knockout artist. Topuria slipped a jab and countered with a finishing combination.
Oddly enough, the jab could be an effective weapon for Gaethje if implemented intelligently. Against Pimblett, the American forged much success with his swift jab. Although he utilized the punch primarily as an offensive weapon, in the battle with Topuria, The Highlight could instead employ it to maintain a comfortable distance. The reliable shot will also stifle the forward momentum of his adversary.
Additionally, the Gaethje team has likely included a plethora of calf kicks as an element of their gameplan. Though Topuria generates immense force from his loaded base, he does leave himself vulnerable to leg strikes. By battering his lower limbs, both the quickness and power of the undisputed champ will begin to dwindle.
Main Event Pick
Although an upset for Gaethje is conceivable in the form of a measured chess match, it is difficult to envision the American assailant resisting the temptation to initiate a dogfight.
The crystal ball here at Club Underground headquarters reflects images of Ilia Topuria capitalizing on an overzealous Justin Gaethje. El Matador delivers yet another touch of his stealthy poison, and a white rose lays on the octagon floor at the close of the night.
Underground Pick: Topuria wins by knockout.
Complete List of Main Card Picks:
Lightweight Title Fight: Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – Underground Pick: Winner – Ilia Topuria
Heavyweight Title Fight: Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane – Underground Pick: Winner – Alex Pereira
Bantamweight Fight: Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi – Underground Pick: Winner – Sean O’Malley
Heavyweight Fight: Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis – Underground Pick: Winner – Josh Hokit
Lightweight Fight: Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler – Underground Pick: Winner – Mauricio Ruffy
Middleweight Fight: Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus – Underground Pick: Winner – Bo Nickal
Featherweight Fight: Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia – Underground Pick: Winner – Diego Lopes
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