UFC Freedom 250 is here — and it’s unlike anything the sport has ever seen. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA fan or a casual viewer tuning in for history, knowing exactly when and where to watch is essential. Here’s your complete breakdown of start times, the full fight card, and how to stream the biggest UFC event of 2026.
What Is UFC Freedom 250?
UFC Freedom 250, also known as UFC at the White House, is a historic mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The name is a tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, making it one of the most symbolically loaded sporting events in American history.
Organized by UFC CEO Dana White and held in partnership with the White House, the event takes place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. — a venue no sporting event has ever used before. The weigh-ins took place at the Lincoln Memorial, adding yet another iconic landmark to the event’s legacy.
What Time Does UFC Freedom 250 Start?
This is the big question, so let’s answer it clearly:
- Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
- Main Card Start Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
- Main Event Start Time (Topuria vs. Gaethje): Approximately 11:30 PM ET (subject to change based on earlier fight durations)
Note: Unlike traditional UFC numbered events, UFC Freedom 250 has no separate preliminary card. All seven bouts are on the main card, beginning at 8 PM ET.
June 14 is also Flag Day in the United States, adding further patriotic significance to an already historic evening.
UFC Freedom 250 Start Times by Time Zone
| Time Zone | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 8:00 PM |
| Central Time (CT) | 7:00 PM |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 6:00 PM |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 5:00 PM |
| UK (BST) | 1:00 AM (June 15) |
| Australia AEST | 10:00 AM (June 15) |
Where to Watch UFC Freedom 250
Paramount+ (Primary Broadcaster)
The entire main card streams live and exclusively on Paramount+ in the United States. There is no pay-per-view purchase required — an active Paramount+ subscription is all you need.
- Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported): $8.99/month or $89.99/year
- Paramount+ Premium (ad-free): $13.99/month or $139.99/year
Paramount+ is the official home of UFC through 2033, covering all 13 UFC numbered events and 30 UFC Fight Nights per year.
CBS (Partial Coverage)
Select UFC numbered events in 2026 also feature partial broadcast on CBS, including the final hour of prelims and the first hour of the main card. Check your local CBS affiliate for availability.
UFC Freedom 250 Full Fight Card
Main Card — 8:00 PM ET on Paramount+
1. Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje — UFC Lightweight Championship Unification
The headliner is a clash between undefeated UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria (17-0) and interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (27-5). Topuria, 29, captured the featherweight belt with knockout wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway before moving up to lightweight and stopping Charles Oliveira in the first round to claim that title. Gaethje earned his interim strap by defeating Paddy Pimblett and brings 20 career knockouts into this fight. Topuria enters as a heavy favorite (-500 to -800), while Gaethje is listed as a +350 to +500 underdog.
2. Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane — Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship
In the co-main event, former two-division champion Alex Pereira (middleweight and light heavyweight) attempts to make history by becoming the first-ever three-division UFC champion as he moves up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane. Pereira is a natural upward mover at 38 years old, while Gane brings a 13-2 record and elite technical stand-up game. The market prices this bout as nearly even, with Pereira at -115 and Gane at +110.
3. Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi — Bantamweight
Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley (18-3) makes his highly anticipated return to the Octagon against Aiemann Zahabi. O’Malley is a massive favorite at -360 to -410.
4. Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis — Heavyweight
An entertaining heavyweight lottery-ticket bout featuring Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis (28-12), one of the most dangerous knockout artists in UFC history, against unranked prospect Josh Hokit (5-1).
5. Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler — Lightweight
Rising Brazilian talent Mauricio Ruffy takes on fan-favorite Michael Chandler in an action-heavy lightweight bout that promises fireworks from the opening bell.
6. Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus — Middleweight
Unbeaten wrestling phenom Bo Nickal continues his march up the middleweight rankings against veteran Kyle Daukaus in what should be a grappling-heavy contest.
7. Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia — Featherweight
All-action featherweights Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia open the main card in what could be the sleeper hit of the night.
Why UFC Freedom 250 Is Historic
This is only the third time the UFC has held an event in Washington, D.C., and the first since UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Rozenstruik in December 2019. More importantly, it is the first-ever sporting event held on the South Lawn of the White House, making it a landmark moment not just for MMA but for American sports history.
The event is presented by Crypto.com and RAM, and with two title fights, multiple top-five contenders, and the most dramatic venue in the promotion’s history, UFC Freedom 250 is widely considered the most ambitious event the organization has ever staged.
Quick-Reference Summary
- Event: UFC Freedom 250 (UFC at the White House)
- Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
- Venue: South Lawn of the White House, Washington, D.C.
- Main Card Starts: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
- Main Event: ~11:30 PM ET
- Where to Watch: Paramount+ (exclusive live stream in the U.S.)
- No PPV required — subscription only
- Total Bouts: 7 (no separate prelim card)
Drop a comment below and let us know who you’re picking to win the main event — are you with Topuria or Gaethje? — and bookmark this page for the latest UFC Freedom 250 updates all night long!