The UFC announced in a press release on Thursday that all bouts at the June 14 UFC White House event will be officially licensed and sanctioned. The organization said in a statement that a state athletic commission is not required because the fight is taking place on federal land, but the Association of Boxing Commissions has agreed to “serve as an independent third party to provide advice on the regulatory operations of the event.”
Earlier this week, a report in The Washington Post raised concerns about the regulatory status of the event, which is known as UFC Freedom 250. Andrew Huff, president of the D.C. Combat Sports Commission, expressed disappointment that the commission was not involved in the planning or operations of the event.
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“We don’t know anything,” Huff told The Washington Post. “Every promoter in the District of Columbia is expected to be held to the same standards, whether hosting a small wrestling show or a large event.”
Ilia Topuria is one of the main attractions to visit the White House. (Photo by Ian Moore/Getty Images)
(Ian Moore via Getty Images)
Since the UFC event takes place at the White House, which is federal property, there is no need for the state athletic commission to be involved. The UFC has acted as its own regulator on several occasions over the years, especially when operating in countries or jurisdictions that do not have their own regulators to oversee MMA events.
Still, Huff said that without licensing and committee oversight, the fight at the UFC White House event should perhaps be considered an unsanctioned exhibition. He also expressed concern that the incident could set a precedent for other promoters to use federal lands as a way to circumvent regulations.
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“What happens when someone has a boxing match at Malcolm X Park?” Huff said. “They don’t need to involve us?”
According to a statement released by the UFC, chief commercial officer Hunter Campbell and senior vice president of regulatory affairs Marc Ratner will “work with ABC on event regulatory details.”
ABC President Timothy Shipman expressed support for the plan, adding that despite the absence of a state athletic commission, all fights at the UFC White House event “are officially licensed and sanctioned events.”
“Because the event is being held on federal property, the UFC is not required to select a state athletic commission to oversee the event,” Shipman said in a statement. “The UFC is committed to ensuring this event is one of the most thoroughly regulated events in the history of the sport and has asked ABC to serve as an independent third party to assist in assembling the most qualified team of referees, referees and inspectors in the world.”
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In comments to The Athletic, Huff still seemed unhappy with the arrangement, noting that the DC Commission already oversees everything from the UFC to WWE, as well as many fight cards put out by smaller sponsors. Huff said the committee “has seen it all but this.”
“ABC is not a sanctioning authority and has no authority in the District of Columbia,” Huff said in a statement following the UFC’s latest announcement. “While I was relieved to learn that an additional organization would have some form of oversight of UFC White House events, I am disappointed that ABC, which represents commissions across the United States, including the District of Columbia, has chosen to ignore the laws and authority of our commission. This sets a dangerous precedent for all commissions and the entire industry.”
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The event is currently expected to feature six fights, including two UFC title fights. UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will compete for the 155-pound belt against interim champion Justin Gaethje, while former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will move up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane in an interim title fight.
It’s the first mixed martial arts event of its kind, and the UFC is expected to build a small arena on the White House lawn that will seat thousands of spectators. Broadcast plans for the event have yet to be determined, but UFC officials said portions of the fight card may air on CBS and Paramount+.
