The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced that the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), the unified regulatory body overseeing professional boxing and MMA events across the United States, will serve as an independent third-party advisor. Their role will be to guide the regulatory operations for an unprecedented UFC event scheduled for Sunday, June 14, on the iconic grounds of the White House. This marks a truly significant and renowned occasion, being the first professional sports event ever held at this world-famous location.
In a statement released today, ABC President Timothy Shipman elaborated: “As the event is being held on federal property, there is no requirement for the UFC to select a state athletic commission to oversee the event.” He further stated that the UFC has expressed its commitment to ensuring this card will be among the most thoroughly regulated in the sport’s history, and they specifically requested ABC’s assistance in assembling the most qualified group of judges, referees, and inspectors globally.
Shipman confirmed that the UFC has also pledged to abide by all applicable regulatory requirements. This includes all necessary medical examinations, pre-bout and post-bout physicals, and comprehensive athlete safety protocols. All bouts featured on this historic card are officially licensed and sanctioned contests.
Hunter Campbell, UFC Chief Business Officer, and Marc Ratner, Senior Vice President of UFC Government & Regulatory Affairs, will collaborate with the ABC on finalizing the details of the event’s regulatory oversight. Ratner commented, “UFC is the gold standard for athlete health and safety in combat sports – bar none, and we will absolutely bring those same industry-leading standards to this incredible, unique event at the White House.” He extended gratitude to the Association of Boxing Commissions for their expertise, which will ensure the highest standards of competitive integrity and professional governance for this truly unprecedented stage for MMA.
The groundbreaking event will take place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. The card will feature six bouts, headlined by a championship doubleheader. In the main event, UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria, ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound, will defend his title against interim UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje. The co-main event will see former UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira attempting to win a UFC title in an unprecedented third weight class, facing off against former interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane.
The event will be streamed live on Paramount+ in the United States, available to subscribers at no additional cost. Further details about the event, including the schedule of official fight week activities, are expected to be announced at a later date.