Dana White confirms UFC is breaking its own strict rule for White House card
Dana White has confirmed UFC will break a self-imposed imposed rule for the stacked White House card in June.
The UFC Freedom 250 event will take place on June 14, on the same day as President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
On South Lawn at the White House, with members of the military being gifted tickets, there will be a total of seven stellar fights - including Ilia Topuria's lightweight title defence against Justin Gaethje in the main event.
The groundbreaking show also features Alex Pereira's battle with Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
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Trump was even able to get his wish as he lobbied for Derrick Lewis to be put on the card, the request duly met as the Black Beast was instantly paired against Josh Hokit after UFC 327.
The event will be unlike anything UFC have done before and White has admitted the combat sports giants will break their own rule by having the national anthem sung at UFC.
Though it is often common in boxing and a number of American sports, White has never felt it was the right call for UFC given they are an international company.
But at UFC Freedom 250, they will have "The Star-Spangled Banner" performed - something which hasn't happened since the very early days of UFC.
"We don't do the National Anthem," White said, as per MMA News.
"So one of the things that drives me crazy about boxing is they have to sing two National Anthems and all the stuff before the fight starts. We're an international business, we have people from everywhere.
"We could end up singing two National Anthems that are not even from this country and the whole world is watching us, we're in over a billion homes worldwide, so I don't do it.
"This will be the first time in a very long time since UFC double digits that we've done the National Anthem."
UFC change bonus system for historic event
In another significant change for UFC Freedom 250, it has been confirmed that bonuses will be handled differently. Though the mandatory Fight of the Night and Performance bonuses after the show will still be in offer, a further $1 million in post-fight bonuses will be on the table through sponsor Crypto.com.
The extra incentives represent the "largest bonus in UFC history" - which all applies to all 14 participants on the card.
Topics: UFC, Dana White
Josh Lawless