Topuria shoves Gaethje in front of Lincoln Memorial before UFC Freedom

Ilia Topuria shoved Justin Gaethje in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the final news conference preceding UFC's event at the White House on Sunday, June 8, 2024. This confrontation occurred just days before the scheduled UFC 302 fight, which is set to be the first-ever UFC event held at the White House. The incident, captured on video, showed Topuria initiating the physical contact after a verbal exchange with Gaethje. UFC President Dana White was present during the news conference and has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the altercation. The UFC 302 event is scheduled to feature a lightweight championship bout between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, alongside other fights on the undercard.