The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has revealed that the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), the primary regulatory body for professional combat sports in the U.S., will provide independent advisory services for the regulatory aspects of its historic event. This groundbreaking UFC card is set for Sunday, June 14, at the iconic White House grounds, a venue of unparalleled global significance.
Timothy Shipman, President of the Association of Boxing Commissions, released a statement today addressing the unique circumstances:
“Given that the event will take place on federal property, the UFC is not legally obligated to appoint a state athletic commission for oversight.”
“The UFC has demonstrated a strong commitment to making this one of the most meticulously regulated events ever in combat sports. They have asked the ABC to act as an independent third party, helping to gather the most experienced and qualified judges, referees, and inspectors globally.”
“Furthermore, the UFC has guaranteed adherence to all relevant regulatory stipulations for the event, encompassing mandatory medical examinations, pre- and post-fight physicals, and comprehensive athlete safety protocols. Every bout on this card will be officially licensed and sanctioned.”
Hunter Campbell, UFC Chief Business Officer, and Marc Ratner, Senior Vice President of UFC Government & Regulatory Affairs, are slated to work closely with the ABC to finalize the specifics of the event’s regulatory supervision.
Marc Ratner affirmed, “The UFC sets the benchmark for athlete health and safety within combat sports, and we are committed to upholding these industry-leading standards for this extraordinary White House event. We extend our gratitude to the Association of Boxing Commissions for their invaluable expertise in guaranteeing the utmost competitive integrity and professional governance for this truly historic MMA platform.”
This unprecedented event is scheduled to unfold on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., making it the first professional sporting contest ever hosted at the globally recognized landmark.
The card will showcase six compelling bouts, culminating in a championship doubleheader. The main event features UFC lightweight champion and pound-for-pound contender Ilia Topuria facing interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. In the co-main event, former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira aims to secure a UFC championship in an unprecedented third division, challenging former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane.
U.S. subscribers can stream the event live on Paramount+ without any additional charges.
Further details concerning the event, including the schedule for official fight week activities, are expected to be released at a subsequent time.