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Andreas Hale
ESPN

Jun 16, 2026, 11:00 AM ET

Right after UFC CEO Dana White departed the White House following UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday evening, questions arose about future plans. Would similar outdoor events occur again? His quick reply indicated the promotion would avoid repeating such a production. The unique event demanded extensive resources and coordination, yet it succeeded. Attention now turns to the athletes who competed, including those celebrating victories and the fighter experiencing his initial defeat.

Justin Gaethje captured the lightweight title for the first time at age 37 by compelling the previously unbeaten Ilia Topuria to remain on his stool following four rounds of continuous exchanges. Does this outcome provide sufficient reason for Gaethje to step away at the peak? Ciryl Gane, who overcame skepticism by stopping an opponent pursuing a rare third belt, may pursue a title unification bout against Tom Aspinall. Other anticipated clashes such as Topuria against Paddy Pimblett, Sean OMalley versus Umar Nurmagomedov and Diego Lopes meeting Yair Rodriguez could also develop soon.

Here is an examination of the possibilities.

Justin Gaethje, lightweight champion

Who should be next: Retirement
Although Gaethje delivers exciting performances, this moment offers the ideal opportunity to conclude his career. He has accomplished nearly every goal possible and has faced nearly every notable opponent while creating memorable bouts throughout UFC history. A contest against top contender Arman Tsarukyan remains an option, yet it raises questions about necessity given the constant emergence of new challengers. Ending his run by securing the win on such a prominent stage and retiring while holding the belt would draw broad approval.

Wild card: Arman Tsarukyan
Should Gaethje opt to continue, Tsarukyan merits the initial title opportunity after an extended wait. Regardless of any differing views from White, Tsarukyan has earned consideration. Limited options exist to stay active outside the cage. This path applies only if Gaethje elects to proceed, though retirement appears preferable. -- Andreas Hale

Ilia Topuria, lightweight

Who should be next: Paddy Pimblett
Topuria encountered one of the more challenging setbacks possible. His response to pressure demonstrated resilience without seeking an exit during a demanding contest. Recovery duration remains uncertain, which complicates scheduling predictions. Pimblett stands out as a logical opponent. Had Pimblett prevailed over Gaethje earlier, he might have appeared on the White House card. Pimblett faces Benoit Saint Denis in July, yet the pairing with Topuria has lingered as a compelling option and could be arranged again after prior faceoffs.

Wild card: Conor McGregor
Topuria expresses clear disapproval of McGregor both inside and outside competition. McGregor has responded with public remarks as well. Any meeting would feature significant tension between two prominent figures. While some may question the timing given Topuria ranking among elites despite the loss and McGregors limited activity, a strong showing by McGregor against Max Holloway next month could justify the bout. The UFC would maximize interest in such a matchup. -- Brett Okamoto

Ciryl Gane, heavyweight

Who should be next: Tom Aspinall
Aspinall requires medical clearance while the UFC coordinates to finalize this pairing. The division has faced prolonged instability from canceled title bouts, interim arrangements and postponed superfights. Moving forward requires addressing the legitimacy concerns through a confirmed Gane versus Aspinall contest.

Wild card: Sergei Pavlovich
This highlights the need for alignment with Aspinall. A bout against Pavlovich offers appeal as an untested pairing, yet it lacks the weight of an undisputed title fight. All indications point toward Aspinall securing clearance and proceeding with Gane. -- Okamoto

Sean OMalley, mens bantamweight

Who should be next: Umar Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov holds a strong record and has secured victories since his narrow defeat. Despite this he faces a matchup against David Martinez in July. The contest with OMalley presents itself naturally given prior calls for it and the potential draw of facing Nurmagomedov with Khabib in the corner. OMalley has performed well when doubted previously. The UFC should also arrange the trilogy involving Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili while prioritizing this bout.

Wild card: Cory Sandhagen
This pairing has appeared likely for some time with Sandhagen actively pursuing it. It surprised observers that Sandhagen did not appear on the White House card. With a scheduled fight in July, a victory would position him strongly for OMalley next. The Nurmagomedov option edges it slightly if he advances, yet OMalley versus Sandhagen follows closely. -- Okamoto

Josh Hokit, heavyweight

Who should be next: Sergei Pavlovich
The matchup aligns well. Pavlovich possesses notable power despite recent results, and Hokit has cultivated a controversial persona that adds intrigue. Competitively it offers balance with Pavlovich providing knockout threat and renewed momentum.

Wild card: Alexander Volkov
Rankings support this option though promotional factors differ. Volkov brings consistency yet his style may not generate maximum excitement. Hokit would benefit from facing Pavlovich first before advancing toward top competition. -- Okamoto

Mauricio Ruffy, lightweight

Who should be next: Winner of Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on July 11
Saint Denis passed on a bout with Michael Chandler to pursue higher ranking and now meets Pimblett instead. Ruffys performance may prompt reconsideration of opportunities. Exchanges with Holloway or McGregor would create dynamic action, and a McGregor win could accelerate interest.

Wild card: Paddy Pimblett
Victory for Pimblett over Saint Denis would elevate consideration for this fight once title matters settle. Tsarukyan awaits his shot while other contenders like Charles Oliveira remain active. Outcomes from Holloway versus McGregor will influence lightweight plans, making Pimblett versus Ruffy a sensible choice. -- Okamoto

Bo Nickal, middleweight

Who should be next: Roman Dolidze
Nickal absorbed lessons from his prior defeat and appears more polished. Aggressive advancement makes sense now. Dolidze offers a seasoned test while seeking to maintain his ranking position.

Wild card: Winner of Christian Leroy Duncan versus Jared Cannonier on July 18
Duncan could provide an intriguing test if he prevails. Middleweight continues to develop with emerging talent. Pairing Nickal with Dolidze maintains logical progression, though Duncan remains an alternative. -- Okamoto

Diego Lopes, featherweight

Who should be next: Yair Rodriguez
This contest has been discussed extensively for over a year. Rodriguez returns from injury, and the stylistic contrast plus prior exchanges make it compelling. Lopes ranks second while Rodriguez sits fifth, ensuring continued fan interest until it materializes.