UFC is preparing one of its most exciting fight nights of the year this week by staging a card on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday evening.

Ilia Topuria, ranked number two pound for pound by ESPN, defends the lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, who earned an interim belt and this title shot after defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision. Topuria arrives unbeaten at 17-0 and has finished every UFC legend he has met in his past three contests, including Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.

Even with the title implications and Topuria's strong record, the main event may not generate the highest anticipation on the card. ESPN ranks the seven UFC Freedom 250 bouts below, based on input from experts Carlos Contreras Legaspi, Andrew Davis, Andreas Hale, Brett Okamoto and Jeff Wagenheim. The order reflects style matchups, fighter pedigrees, stakes, storylines, prefight buzz and likelihood of spectacular moments.

7. Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia, featherweight

Opening fighters on the first card at the White House must deliver immediate excitement and establish momentum for the evening. Lopes and Garcia earned this slot because of their aggressive styles. Division implications exist, yet the primary goal remains a high-output spectacle from the start. -- Okamoto

6. Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, middleweight

Nickal stands out as a potential American sports hero on this card. A three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion with only nine MMA bouts, he receives continued UFC tests to determine his championship potential. Following his sole career defeat a year earlier, Nickal responded with a head-kick knockout in November. He now meets resilient Daukaus, who holds a 2-0 record with two finishes in his second UFC stint. Daukaus' complete skill set will reveal how much Nickal has improved. -- Wagenheim

5. Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, men's bantamweight

Not long ago, a Suga Sean fight would headline nearly any anticipated lineup. UFC still promotes O'Malley just below the two title fights on this landmark card. The former champion, limited to one bout this year and one in 2025, has slipped slightly from the spotlight despite his distinctive hair. O'Malley dropped two of his past three fights, both to successor Merab Dvalishvili, yet remains relevant at 135 pounds. He must defeat surging Zahabi, who owns five consecutive wins, to stay in contention. -- Wagenheim

4. Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, lightweight

Ruffy dominates opponents inside the Octagon, and any of his bouts now carry main-event appeal. A submission loss to Benoit Saint Denis last September appears temporary rather than defining. This historic setting offers his breakout opportunity against a veteran. Chandler, age 40, campaigned for inclusion and will entertain as usual. Expect a violent finish with a clear narrative either way: Ruffy's profile grows or Chandler delivers a memorable highlight. -- Okamoto

3. Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis, heavyweight

Two outsized personalities trading strikes until one falls? Count me in. Hokit's wrestling-inspired persona drew mixed reactions, yet his April war with Curtis Blaydes earned respect after a three-round decision win. Now he faces Lewis and his heavy power, which could end the Hokit character abruptly. Lewis ignores the antics and brings knockout threat. This bout will feature no strategy, possibly turning into pure power exchanges. The winner will deliver a notable postfight interview either way. -- Hale

2. Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, lightweight championship

UFC stated this card would not become US versus everyone else, and the lineup supports that view. Still, the main event pits an American underdog against an undefeated Georgian-Spanish champion, resembling a film finale. Gaethje, a two-time interim champion and former BMF titleholder, likely receives his last chance at an undisputed belt. High action is expected while the fight lasts. Topuria remains the heavy favorite at minus 535 per DraftKings, yet Gaethje has been an underdog in ten of fifteen UFC fights and holds an 8-2 record in those spots. -- Okamoto

1. Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane, interim heavyweight championship

This pairing offers clear appeal for fans of striking exchanges, matching two precise, powerful technicians. Stakes rise further as Pereira aims to become the first three-division champion in UFC history. Gane's size and recent showing against Tom Aspinall, who is sidelined by an eye injury, keep the result uncertain. An interim belt explains why this is not the main event, yet the fight carries every sign of a classic. -- Hale