The UFC announced the fight card for its upcoming White House event on Saturday, with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout as the main event. The event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for June 14 on the White House South Lawn as part of America's 250th independence celebration.

The co-main event will feature Alex Pereira attempting to become the UFC's first three-division champion when he faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. Pereira, who currently holds titles in two weight classes, would make history with a victory in the heavyweight division.

Topuria will defend his lightweight title against Gaethje, who captured the interim lightweight championship during Topuria's absence from competition. The bout will determine the undisputed lightweight champion and serves as the centerpiece of what the UFC has promoted as an unprecedented event at the White House.

The announcement came amid controversy involving former heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who requested his release from the UFC following disputes over his potential involvement in the White House card. Jones, 38, contradicted UFC President Dana White's claims that he was never seriously considered for the event, stating that negotiations had actually taken place.

Reports indicate conflicting accounts between Jones and White regarding the extent of discussions for Jones to appear on the White House card. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani supported Jones' version of events, contradicting White's public statements about the negotiations.

Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, expressed frustration with what he characterized as games between himself and White, formally requesting his release from the promotion in response to the situation surrounding the White House event.