Ilia Topuria walked away from the White House with more than just memories—he snagged a piece of presidential memorabilia that no one else dared to ask for. The UFC lightweight champion was among the stars of UFC Freedom 250 who visited last week, alongside Alex Pereira, Justin Gaethje, and Ciryl Gane. While the historic card inches closer, this meeting with Donald Trump left a personal mark on Topuria.

In a new YouTube video, Topuria revealed a small but telling moment from the Oval Office. "There were a bunch of pens, and nobody dared to ask for one," he said. So, he stepped up: "I told him, 'Can you give me a pair of pens?'" Trump didn't just agree—he handed over a handful. Now, Topuria treasures a pen inscribed with "The White House" and the president's signature.

This souvenir fits a shift in Topuria's tone. He'd previously insisted his role on the card was purely professional, not political. But the meeting clearly softened that stance. During the visit, he told Trump he hadn't expected such kindness, drawing laughs from the room. Later, footage showed him nodding in agreement with UFC president Dana White, who called Trump a "great guy."

Topuria hasn't completely changed his tune—he still views fighting on the card as a job. Yet, this personal exchange shows Trump won him over on a human level. For fans of the sport, it's a glimpse of how even the toughest fighters can be charmed by a simple gesture. Whether you're gearing up for fight night or just love a good story, this moment adds a layer of intrigue to the buildup of UFC Freedom 250.