Trump jokes White House UFC night was ‘more important than the World Cup’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is still talking about UFC Freedom 250, and this time he suggested that the extravaganza may have carried more weight for some fans than the FIFA World Cup.

During a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, June 15, Trump reflected on the UFC card held at the White House the night before.

While discussing French heavyweight fighter Ciryl Gane’s victory, the 80-year-old joked that the win may have been even more significant than France’s achievements on soccer’s biggest stage.

Trump celebrates UFC Freedom 250 as one of the White House's most incredible evenings

The White House South Lawn was transformed into a fight venue for UFC Freedom 250, an event that drew attention far beyond the combat sports world.

Trump attended the event from cageside and watched a packed fight card that featured competitors from several countries. 

Speaking alongside Macron, he made it clear that he viewed the event as a major success.

“And we had a really exciting, I think maybe one of the most incredible evenings in the history of the White House,” Trump said.

The president then revealed that he had personally reached out to congratulate the French president after Gane’s victory over Alex Pereira.

“We had an evening last night with the fighters, and I was very happy. I called last night, very late last night, to congratulate you because in the heavyweight division, a French fighter won,” Trump added. 

Trump compares Ciryl Gane's White House win to France's World Cup success

After praising Gane, Trump jokingly suggested that the heavyweight fighter's victory might have meant more to some people than a World Cup title.

“I don’t know, is that maybe more important than the World Cup?” the POTUS said. “To some people it might be. To some people it might be.”

The comment drew attention because of France's rich soccer history and the global stature of the World Cup.

Trump continued by complimenting both France's national soccer team and its fighters.

“You have a good team in the world, very good team; but you have good fighters, too,” he said.

The president also thanked Macron and praised France before wrapping up his remarks.

“And you’re a great country, and it’s an honor to be with you. Thank you very much,” Trump added.

UFC Freedom 250 continues to generate headlines beyond the fights

While Trump focused on Gane's victory during the meeting, much of the conversation surrounding UFC Freedom 250 has centered on another heavyweight fighter.

Josh Hokit became one of the most talked-about names from the event following his knockout victory.

During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Hokit ended his remarks by shouting, "Michelle Obama is a man, am I right, America?" — a moment that immediately drew attention online. 

The comment quickly became one of the most discussed moments from the event, extending the spotlight on UFC Freedom 250 beyond the action inside the cage.