UFC Freedom 250 is finally here as fight fans will lay witness to combat sports history as Dana White pulls off the impossible feat of hosting MMA fights on the South Lawn of the White House in the nation’s capital. 14 total fighters will make the walk to the newly built arena, competing and performing in front of military personnel, veterans, and the entirety of the American people.
The top of the card will see two title bouts as Alex Pereira makes his long-awaited move to heavyweight to challenge No. 1 contender Ciryl Gane for the interim Heavyweight Championship. The Main Event will feature a unification bout for the Lightweight Championship as Ilia Topuria looks to complete his dominance in two divisions by facing former lightweight champ and fan-favorite Justin Gaethje.
The fights will take place Sunday, June 14 from the White House in Washington D.C. at 8:00 p.m. ET. In the meantime, ClutchPoints’ UFC experts Garrett Kerman and Dominik Zawartko will make their educated predictions for each matchup.
UFC Freedom 250: Expert predictions
Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia
Kerman: “This has the makings of Fight of the Night between these two dynamic finishers. Lopes is coming off his second title attempt and looked worse than he did in his first attempt at dethroning Alexander Volkanovski. Meanwhile, Garcia is peaking at the right time, stringing together seven wins in a row with six finishes. While this may be the biggest step up in his career, I think the time is now for Garcia to make his move at the top of the division and put the favorite Diego Lopes away midway through the fight.” Prediction: Steve Garcia wins by KO/TKO
Zawartko: “Steve Garcia is a strong dark horse here, but this will certainly be the toughest fight of his career against Lopes. This fight should be determined by the first few takedown attempts and how easily Lopes is able to get Garcia on the ground. If he struggles, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Garcia build a huge lead in the striking numbers, making it more difficult for Lopes to remain competitive. Expect an extremely close bout that hits the judges’ scorecards.” Prediction: Garcia wins by Split Decision
Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus
Kerman: “Nickal’s explosive entries, top pressure, and increasingly confident striking give him more immediate finishing upside in the early going. However, Daukaus is dangerous in the very transitions Nickal leans on, especially with his D’Arce/Brabo chokes and willingness to grind along the fence. Ultimately, the most likely script sees Nickal winning the wrestling battles often enough to bank minutes and damage. Daukaus will have moments, particularly in clinch exchanges and late scrambles, but Nickal’s athletic edge and control should carry on the cards.” Prediction: Nickal wins by Unanimous Decision
Zawartko: “Bo Nickal comes into this bout as the -325 betting favorite for good reason as he should be able to completely dominate with his wrestling if this fight hits the mat. While Kyle Daukaus fights behind more experience and is crafty on the ground with his submission attempts, expect Nickal to only keep evolving after his head kick knockout over Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322. I think Nickal gets this fight to the ground and ultimately locks in a submission finish with the rear naked choke or an arm triangle from the top.” Prediction: Nickal wins by Submission
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
Kerman: “The most likely script sees Chandler having dangerous pockets of success early, but Ruffy gradually dialing in his timing and carving up an increasingly hittable veteran. As Chandler slows and continues to force exchanges, the Brazilian’s precision and shot selection should find a decisive opening. Mauricio Ruffy keeps his streak alive with a late KO/TKO after surviving some early Chandler storm.” Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy wins by KO/TKO
Zawartko: “Michael Chandler suffered three-straight losses against some of the best fighters in the division, now facing another prospect with all the momentum at his back. Ruffy solidified himself as the real deal with a knockout over Rafael Fiziev, further growing his stock and arriving as one of the most dynamic finishers in the UFC right now. Chandler should be walking into Ruffy’s offense all night and it’ll only be a matter of time before the Brazilian lands and ends this one early.” Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy wins by KO/TKO
Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit
Kerman: “This should be a fun one for however long it lasts. The surging Josh Hokit has the tools to become the heavyweight champion, especially if he utilizes all of his skillset in the Octagon. He is going to need to be weary about the one-hitter-quitter that Lewis possesses and I believe he uses that collegiate wrestling background to take Lewis down and finish the job inside two rounds and remain unbeaten.” Prediction: Josh Hokit wins by KO/TKO
Zawartko: “While Derrick Lewis will always stand a chance with his all-time great knockout ability, he’s clearly struggled with this new crop of versatile heavyweights with elite boxing skills. Josh Hokit represents exactly that and then some with his D-I wrestling experience at Fresno State. His movement, speed, and most of all his cardio will be the biggest threat to Derrick Lewis throughout this fight. Hokit will be looking to put on a show as the total goes over and he wins with a TKO finish late.” Prediction: Josh Hokit wins by KO/TKO
Sean O’Mallley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Kerman: “O’Malley’s height, reach, and volume give him the clearer paths to banking rounds if he fights disciplined and accepts a technical fight over a viral finish hunt. Zahabi’s durability, defense, and counter-punching will make him a tough nut to crack, especially early, and he’s absolutely live to steal momentum with well-timed counters or leg kicks if Sean gets lazy with exits. But over three rounds, O’Malley’s ability to mix feints, level changes, and multi-level attacks should create more visible scoring moments for judges.” Prediction: Sean O’Malley wins by Unanimous Decision
Zawartko: “O’Malley got a tough customer his last time out against Song Yadong and he’ll likely need to be equally focused against another sneaky striker like Zahabi. Zahabi’s disciplined training and accurate striking could frustrate O’Malley throughout this fight, but it’s clear O’Malley is more willing to take a punch and absorb punches in the process. Still, his betting odds are way too inflated and this could be a much closer fight on the feet that many may expect.” Prediction: Sean O’Malley wins by Split Decision
Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane
Kerman: “This is arguably the toughest fight on the card to predict because both fighters have the skillset to walk away with the interim title. However, I thoroughly expect Gane to be a lot quicker and harder to land on than previous opponents. The speed, size, and diversity in strikes that Gane possesses is going to give Pereira fits. Ultimately, Gane goes out there and utilizes his speed and footwork to stay on the outside and counter the calf kicks of Pereira with strikes of his own, out striking Pereira to a decision victory.” Prediction: Ciryl Gane wins by Split Decision
Zawartko: “Ciryl Gane offers a very difficult look for Pereira thanks to his movement and lateral control of the octagon. He’s much more fluid in darting in with quick shots, which could become a problem with Pereira’s flat-footed stance. Gane will also be very dangerous in the clinch with elbows and knees while being much more comfortable at his typical fighting weight. Still, I like Alex Pereira to come out on top in this debut. He looks massive and the hope is that his chin will only become more durable, not as much of a threat against Gane’s level of power.” Prediction: Alex Pereira wins by KO/TKO
Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje
Kerman: “As the fight settles, Topuria’s ability to read patterns, slip inside, and fire tight combinations to head and body should start finding cleaner, more telling connections. Gaethje’s durability and cardio keep him dangerous late, yet his tendency to get squared up and trade in place leaves too many openings for a finisher as accurate as Ilia.Ultimately, Ilia Topuria defends his lightweight title for the first time by mid-fight TKO after a wild, competitive start where both men land huge shots.” Prediction: Ilia Topuria wins by KO/TKO
Zawartko: “While I think Justin Gaethje will be doing everything to come out on top during what should be his last UFC fight, I just don’t see anyone stopping the striking force of Ilia Topuria. His confidence is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory and he’s made a name off making challenges like Justin Gaethje look easy. Expect a quick finish in the first or second round from Topuria and his elite boxing.” Prediction: Ilia Topuria wins by KO/TKO
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