Reigning interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje could be part of a historic post-fight moment if he captures the undisputed gold at UFC Freedom 250, according to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Abdelaziz revealed that Gaethje may look to involve Donald Trump directly in the celebration should he defeat Ilia Topuria in their scheduled main event on June 14.
Abdelaziz said, “You better believe it. If Justin Gaethje wins, he will ask President Trump to put the belt on him.”
The bout is scheduled to headline UFC Freedom 250, a historic card tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations and set to take place at the White House. The date also aligns with Trump’s 80th birthday, adding another layer of symbolism to the event.
Abdelaziz framed the potential scene as a reflection of both the event’s magnitude and Gaethje’s identity as a representative of the country. “Everybody want Justin Gaethje to win – the president, the UFC, everybody,” Abdelaziz said. “This is America’s birthday … and Justin Gaethje represents America.”
Despite the spectacle surrounding the setting, Abdelaziz stressed that Gaethje’s primary focus remains on the challenge inside the Octagon. He acknowledged Topuria’s elite status while outlining the difficulty of the matchup. “He’s one of the best fighters in the UFC today. Pound-for-pound, top guy. You cannot take that away from him,” Ali added.
Justin Gaethje Eyeing Trump For Title Moment At UFC Freedom 250 https://t.co/kNJU3TitNU pic.twitter.com/FQuux5wwh8
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 28, 2026
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Abdelaziz added that Gaethje’s approach will lean on his trademark striking power and durability, with an emphasis on dragging the fight into the later rounds.
At the same time, he made it clear that Gaethje’s ultimate objective is rooted in performance and victory, not the ceremony that could follow. He concluded with, “Justin’s not going there just to be in the White House. He’s going there to beat the hell out of Ilia Topuria.”
Donald Trump’s Role In The Freedom 250 Card And UFC Ties
The planned White House setting for UFC Freedom 250 is closely linked to Donald Trump’s involvement with the promotion and his public association with the sport. For the unversed, Trump has maintained a longstanding relationship with the UFC and its president, Dana White.
During his political career, Trump has attended multiple UFC events such as UFC 239, UFC 244, UFC 299, UFC 309, and UFC 316. His presence cageside during and even without his presidency has drawn significant attention and underscored his connection to the organization.
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That relationship has contributed to the concept of hosting a landmark UFC event at the White House as part of the United States’ semiquincentennial observances. The June 14 card is positioned as both a sporting event and a national celebration tied to the country’s 250th anniversary.
