UFC has announced that the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) will serve as the independent regulatory body for its historic event at the White House on Sunday, June 14 — and the setup is unlike anything fans have seen from a major UFC card. The full announcement is available at UFC.com.
Because the event takes place on federal property — the South Lawn of the White House — there is no legal requirement for the UFC to have a state athletic commission oversee the proceedings. ABC President Timothy Shipman confirmed as much in a statement, noting the organization has been asked to assist in assembling judges, referees, and inspectors for the card.
The unconventional regulatory structure raised questions about title fight legitimacy, but the ABC's statement addressed that directly. Shipman confirmed that "all bouts on this card are officially licensed and sanctioned contests," and that the UFC will abide by all applicable requirements including medical examinations, pre- and post-bout physicals, and athlete safety protocols.
UFC has not publicly addressed whether the titles will be recognized under the same terms as a traditionally state-sanctioned event, but the ABC's involvement appears designed to provide that legitimacy in the absence of a state commission.
What's On The Card
The six-bout card features a championship doubleheader. Ilia Topuria (c), the UFC Lightweight Champion and No. 2 ranked pound-for-pound fighter, defends against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event.
In the co-main, Alex Pereira (c) looks to become a champion in a record third weight class when he faces former interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane.
UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campell and Senior VP of Government & Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner will work directly with the ABC on regulatory oversight. The event marks the first professional sports event ever held at the White House.
The event will stream live on Paramount+ in the United States at no additional cost to subscribers. Additional details, including fight week activities, will be announced at a later date.