UFC’s June 14 White House Event in D.C. Sanctioning Standoff
The promotion cites federal land jurisdiction to skip the local permit, prompting a warning that unsanctioned results may not be recorded.
Overview
- D.C. Combat Sports Commission chair Andrew Huff says the UFC has not engaged with the regulator and has opted against seeking the $100 permit.
- Huff cautions that without sanctioning the bouts may be excluded from athletes’ official records and raises concerns about precedent for events on public spaces like Malcolm X Park.
- New York State Athletic Commission chair Nick Perry criticizes the idea of the UFC regulating itself, saying local law should still apply.
- Reporting places the production budget for the one-off White House card at up to roughly $60 million, with the promotion proceeding under federal-land jurisdiction.
- The UFC card, billed as Freedom 250 for June 14, features Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight belt.