Michael Chandler left UFC fans stunned after making an embarrassing mistake over the date of UFC Freedom 250 during a recent promotional appearance for the event
Michael Chandler git the date wrong for UFC Freedom 250 next month(Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Michael Chandler was left red-faced after making an embarrassing mistake over the date of UFC Freedom 250.
The UFC’s historic event on the South Lawn is now just weeks away, with a loaded fight card already generating major excitement. Two title bouts are set to headline the night, as Ilia Topuria faces Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification clash, while Alex Pereira makes his move to heavyweight to take on Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship in the co-main event.
All four title fighters appeared at Thursday’s press conference at Prudential Center ahead of the ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC 328. They were joined by the rest of the featured seven-fight lineup who all took questions from the media before facing off during the traditional staredowns. It comes as Derrick Lewis says he doesn’t care about being Donald Trump’s favorite UFC fighter.
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Chandler will face Mauricio Ruffy at the event. During the pairs face-off, Chandler raised eyebrows during the press conference after claiming he would be competing on “America’s birthday.”
However, the event is scheduled for June 14, which marks Flag Day and the birthday of Donald Trump, rather than Independence Day on July 4. The slip-up quickly drew attention from fans on social media, with many mocking Chandler’s mistake online.
“Did Michael Chandler say he’s going to win on America’s birthday” said one X user. Another added: “Can someone please let Michael Chandler know that America’s birthday is July 4th, not June 14th.”
Dana White was forced to intervene after lightweight contender Ruffy took things too far during his staredown with Chandler. The Brazilian extended his arms and pressed a clenched fist against Chandler’s chin, prompting White to quickly step between the two fighters before tensions escalated further.
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“Hey! Whoa! Face forward, boys,” White said as he broke up the staredown. Chandler responded angrily to the apparent show of disrespect, grimacing before repeatedly clapping his hands. Fortunately, the press conference ended without any punches being thrown, unlike Thursday’s chaotic UFC 328 face-off where Khamzat Chimaev appeared to kick Sean Strickland during their heated confrontation.
Josh Hokit was carried off stage by UFC security personnel during the event. Hokit, who is set to face Derrick Lewis at the White House event, initially traded verbal shots with his opponent before shifting his attention toward former two-division UFC champion Pereira. Hokit proceeded to direct a string of crude and taunting remarks at Pereira, who is scheduled to meet Ciryl Gane in an interim heavyweight title fight on the same card.
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After another jab from Hokit, Ilia Topuria finally snapped. Sitting beside Pereira on stage, the UFC lightweight champion suddenly stood up and hurled a bottle toward the outspoken heavyweight, seemingly unfazed by the considerable size difference between the pair.
Pereira briefly rose to his feet alongside Topuria as UFC security moved in to restore order, with both fighters momentarily held back from further escalation. On the opposite side of the stage, Hokit was quickly surrounded by security personnel before being physically lifted and escorted away, bringing the tense scene under control.
