Ilia Topuria is set to defend his lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje at the upcoming UFC White House event’s main attraction. Meanwhile, the co-main event will feature Alex Pereira stepping up to the heavyweight division to challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim title on June 14, as current champion Tom Aspinall is recovering from double eye surgery. Notably, Conor McGregor, who expressed being left off the card, is expected to make his return to action on July 11.
The event lineup includes Michael Chandler facing Mauricio Ruffy and former bantamweight world champion Sean O’Malley taking on Aiemann Zahabi. Completing the card are matchups between Bo Nickal and Kyle Daukaus, as well as Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia.
UFC CEO Dana White commented on the event, highlighting the unique opportunities for fighters like Pereira and Topuria to shine. He emphasized the anticipation for the Topuria-Gaethje showdown, expecting an explosive clash. White acknowledged the challenges in organizing the card but expressed readiness for the event in Washington, D.C.
Regarding the future of heavyweight champion Aspinall, White remained uncertain, noting Pereira’s intriguing bout with Gane and hinting at a potential matchup between Pereira and Aspinall depending on the fight’s outcome.
Furthermore, the announcement ruled out a return for Jon Jones to face Pereira following the Brazilian’s decision to vacate his light-heavyweight title and move up in weight class.