The Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), the unified regulatory body for professional boxing and MMA in the U.S., has been appointed as an independent consultant to oversee the unprecedented UFC event scheduled for June 14 at the White House. This landmark event will mark the first professional sports competition ever held at such a prestigious venue.
Timothy Shipman, President of the ABC, emphasized that since the tournament will take place on federal property, the UFC is not required to involve a state athletic commission. He stated that the UFC is committed to making this event one of the most thoroughly regulated in the sport’s history and has requested ABC’s assistance in assembling a team of highly qualified judges, referees, and inspectors. Shipman also confirmed that the UFC will strictly adhere to all applicable regulatory requirements, including pre- and post-bout medical examinations and athlete safety protocols. All fights will be 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 regulatory oversight details. Ratner noted that the UFC sets the “gold standard” for athlete health and safety in combat sports, and these high standards will also be applied to the White House event. He expressed gratitude to the ABC for lending their expertise to ensure fair competition and professional governance on this unique stage for MMA.
The six-bout tournament will be held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. The main event of the evening will be a lightweight championship bout between current champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje. In the co-main event, former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will attempt to win a UFC title in a third unprecedented weight class, facing Ciryl Gane, a former interim heavyweight champion.
The event will be streamed live to Paramount+ subscribers in the United States at no additional cost. Further details regarding the fight week schedule will be announced later.
