Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria to swap custom shorts for US kits at UFC White House

2 min read
Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria to swap custom shorts for US kits at UFC White House

Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria to swap custom shorts for US kits at UFC White House

When the UFC Octagon arrives in Washington D. C.

Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria to swap custom shorts for US kits at UFC White House

When the UFC Octagon arrives in Washington D. C.

When the UFC Octagon makes its historic debut on the White House lawn this June, fight fans can expect more than just world-class action—they'll see a sea of red, white, and blue from every corner of the Octagon.

Marking 250 years of American independence, UFC Freedom 250 is set to be a one-of-a-kind event. With military personnel and VIPs in attendance, the promotion is pulling out all the stops, even bringing back the iconic six-sided ring used between 1997 and 2000.

But here's the twist that has everyone talking: despite headliners Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira hailing from international backgrounds, they'll be stepping into the Octagon wearing American-themed fight kits.

The full card was revealed during the UFC 326 broadcast in March. While some fans hoped for a few more marquee names, the lineup still delivers plenty of fireworks. Topuria will unify the lightweight belts against Justin Gaethje, while Pereira moves up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for an interim title. Sean O'Malley and Michael Chandler will also represent the stars and stripes on June 14.

Now, about those fight kits—they're turning heads for more reasons than one. Complex Sports recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at a photoshoot featuring the new uniforms, and the design is unmistakably inspired by the American flag. Every fighter, regardless of nationality, will don the same patriotic look.

That means international stars like Topuria and Pereira will trade their signature custom shorts for the US-themed gear. For fans who've grown accustomed to seeing the champions in their personalized designs, the change has sparked a wave of reactions online.

"The colours are great but the stripes look like trash," one fan wrote. Another lamented, "Nooooooooooooooo @Topuriailia what happened to the red shorts." A third joked, "Looks like the American swim team competing for gold."

Love it or hate it, one thing is certain: UFC Freedom 250 is shaping up to be a historic night—both inside and outside the Octagon.

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