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00:00To United States of America a nation built on independence
00:07Defined by freedom
00:11Forged through sacrifice
00:13United there is little we cannot do
00:15An idea once unproven that reshaped the modern world
00:20We the people are free
00:22The Ultimate Fighting Championship
00:25Created as a global proving ground for the world's greatest fighters
00:29Zobaczcie się, że coś nie widziałeś, że nie widziałeś.
00:32Tested by adversity.
00:35Monumental win.
00:36We're all Americans and this is the f***ing dream.
00:39Driven by defiance.
00:41In the midst of a global pandemic.
00:43The show goes on for the UFC.
00:45Nobody's even close to pulling off what we pulled off.
00:48Emerging to a global powerhouse.
00:50It's the best sport in the world.
00:52The UFC has grown to be a global phenomenon.
00:56Two origins, one shared truth.
00:58In the octagon and in these United States.
01:02Glory comes to those willing to fight for something greater.
01:05Never more impressive than this.
01:08A goal.
01:08We must adjust to changing time.
01:11Super wants to make it one of the greatest sports in the world.
01:14A dream.
01:15An informed patriotism is what we want.
01:18We want to make this the Super Bowl mixed martial arts.
01:21A future.
01:21Our challenges are great, but our will is greater.
01:25They brought it from niche sport to mainstream powerhouse.
01:30And now, their stories align for one historic night.
01:35In celebration of the past, present and future of this great nation.
01:41The octagon will descend on the White House lawn for UFC Freedom 250.
01:46A once in a lifetime event where a select few of combat sports elite.
01:51Will look to write the most significant chapter in their storied careers.
01:56In the main event.
01:58A lightweight title unification bout for the ages.
02:01Ilya Tapuri.
02:03An undefeated champion on a generational run.
02:06Oh!
02:07We've got points!
02:07That's it!
02:08That'll do it!
02:09And new!
02:10Two divisions.
02:11Ilya Tapuriya!
02:13Welcome to the history books!
02:15Three former champions.
02:17Three statements made.
02:18Three former champions.
02:18Oh!
02:19And still!
02:21Now, he sets his sights on another legend.
02:26Justin Gaethje.
02:27Is the future set in stone?
02:30Have the voices of the people fighting for their lives they love?
02:35Oh!
02:37The most electrifying fighter of his era.
02:39Have you ever seen anything like Justin Gaethje?
02:43A career marked by chaos.
02:46Oh!
02:46It's over!
02:47And accomplishment.
02:48He has remained at the top while still being one of the most exciting fighters on planet Earth.
02:52One final pursuit remains.
02:54Undisputed gold.
02:56As he shoulders the hopes of the host nation.
02:58A proud American heads to Washington looking for the ultimate highlight.
03:02Getting a chance to fight on the lawn of the White House is such an honor.
03:07I will make my country proud.
03:08Being right from KG's!
03:11Loved it!
03:11In La Casa Blanca, Justin Gaethje.
03:13Oh!
03:14My!
03:15I'm gonna cut him down like a tree.
03:18Heavyweight gold is on the line in the co-main event.
03:21He earned a bet!
03:22Alex Pereira.
03:23Down goes the champion!
03:25Already a two-division champion.
03:27Already a global superstar.
03:30Now chasing unprecedented greatness.
03:33A third title in the third weight class.
03:35And a chance at combat sports and mortality.
03:37That's what we don't have to want!
03:41I'm going to get out of there with a belt, with a belt, and making a story.
03:46Standing in his way is Cyril Gunn.
03:49The face of the French Revolution and the UFC.
03:52A man ready to claim his own place in history.
03:54And take one step closer to becoming the proud nation's first homegrown undisputed champion.
03:59This is my mission to have a belt.
04:01And if I can, I'm gonna knock him out.
04:04Oh!
04:05Oh my goodness!
04:06Concussive!
04:07And concussive!
04:08On June 14th, Washington DC plays host to the most iconic night in combat sports history.
04:15With a preview of the headline attractions.
04:21We use these for training.
04:23This shot, and then a reverse.
04:26The destination is written.
04:28This is UFC Freedom 250.
04:32Countdown.
04:33We are gonna pull off the boldest idea in sports history.
04:39Since its creation in 1993, the UFC has redefined what's possible in combat sports.
04:47At the center of that relentless ambition is UFC CEO and President, Dana White.
04:53Whose tenure has been driven by doing what others said couldn't be done.
04:58The impossible stuff is the stuff that gets me up in the morning.
05:01Everybody said this couldn't be done.
05:03No sports are operational.
05:05But here we are in Yaz Island.
05:07We love this type of stuff over here.
05:09We love the challenges.
05:10It's like when we did this fear.
05:11Anything is possible and everything is possible.
05:13As the United States approached its 250th anniversary,
05:17a long-standing relationship between Dana and the sitting president
05:21manifested an idea to bring a new element to the celebratory event.
05:25We're gonna have a one-of-a-kind UFC event on the south lawn.
05:29I tell everybody that we do business with,
05:32there isn't anything we can't do.
05:35The octagon is coming to the White House.
05:38To have a fight on the White House lawn on the 250th birthday of America.
05:43Get ready, because it's gonna happen.
05:45With an unprecedented challenge bestowed upon them,
05:49Dana and the UFC now prepare to bring another bold vision to life.
05:52The great Dana White, he's building an arena right outside the front door of the White House.
05:57The team is always willing to do whatever it takes to pull off impossible feats.
06:02We are thrilled to be here, appreciate everybody's support.
06:04This is gonna be a massive effort.
06:07When we do something crazy like this,
06:10I will tell the production team exactly what I want.
06:14When I'm watching this fight on TV,
06:16I don't wanna see the lighting grid, screens, mic.
06:20All I wanna see is the White House.
06:24We found this thing that they're calling the claw.
06:27Being shipped in from Europe, has to be built in Philadelphia,
06:31and then has to be trucked to Washington, D.C.
06:35That structure is 80 feet tall.
06:37That's a special built lighting grid.
06:39The only thing I wanna see is the White House.
06:42What we're putting into this and how we're gonna deliver it,
06:45it's impressive.
06:47Now, it's time to execute.
06:52It is truly a special one-of-one event in the most famous house in the world.
06:59Everything about this makes this the most historic sporting event of all time.
07:15Top billing for an event the magnitude of UFC Freedom 250
07:19demands an athlete worthy of the moment.
07:23That honor belongs to El Matador, Ilia Tapurian.
07:28A 17-fight undefeated run has seen him capture UFC gold in two divisions,
07:34becoming one of the sport's biggest international stars.
07:38and validating a belief he has carried from the very beginning.
07:43There are paths in your life that you choose,
07:46and there are paths that choose you.
07:48I truly believe that this path choose me.
07:52I was destined to become a UFC world champion.
07:55There are special fighters that emerge,
07:58and right when you think you've seen it all,
08:00some new dude comes along and redefines it all.
08:04The walk-off KO!
08:05The skill development that I'm bringing into the game represents the new generation.
08:10Oh!
08:11This next generation, they just do it all so well.
08:13They think in terms of being the best fighter.
08:15Wherever that needs to take place, they're able to do that.
08:18Peace out! Peace out!
08:20Oh!
08:20That's why I just had a spectacular run in the UFC, and it changed my life completely.
08:26He believes he is going to shock many MMA observers and rest the title away from one of the most
08:31dominant champions in UFC history,
08:33Alexander Volkanovski.
08:37Whenever I have an opportunity to do whatever in my life, it's not about just to win or just to
08:44show up. I just want to shine.
08:46Oh! Toponia grounds Volkanovski!
08:52And he fought one of the greatest of all time tonight. It is a changing of the guard, but it's
08:59also an ushering in of a new era.
09:01He's already reaching legendary status. And look, you can tell that it's resonating with the fans. He's a star.
09:11I have the chance to put on a show. I want to do it in fashion. I want to do
09:15it as big as that I can.
09:17Oh! Massive knockdown for Toponia! And still!
09:23Volkanovski and now Holloway, two of the greatest featherweights of all time, firmly in the rearview mirror.
09:28And this guy just showed there is another level in the stratosphere.
09:32He'll be the next superstar! Look at Sergio Ramos is now with him!
09:35Undeniable momentum and appreciable hype surrounding the budding Spanish star and former featherweight legend slayer,
09:40and with all the self-belief in the world.
09:43I think I'm done. I don't think I've ever thought I've been good.
09:47Ilya Toporia seeks to topple a third legend, Charles Oliveira, while seizing the lightweight crown
09:52and become a two-time, two-division UFC champion.
09:55There is no one on my level in this world.
10:00Oh!
10:02Al Cole!
10:03A man of his world!
10:04Oh my goodness!
10:05The new UFC lightweight champion Ilya Toporia!
10:10My goodness!
10:10It sounds cocky, but I don't give a damn.
10:14Not sure there has ever been a more memorable jaunt to two-division champion.
10:18Ilya Toporia!
10:20Ilya Toporia!
10:22Ilya Toporia!
10:23Ilya Toporia!
10:23Ilya Toporia!
10:27Ilya Toporia!
10:28Being able to knock out Alexander Wolkonowski, Max Blast Hallway, Charles Oliveira,
10:38legends in the sport that, for sure, they are going to join the Hall of Fame.
10:44To have that run? Wow!
10:47Now the cherry on top.
10:49I'm going to knock out Justin Gaethje in the White House.
10:57This is what makes the difference between legends and just world champions.
11:02Well, we want to see someone who doesn't strive to be a champion, but strives to be the greatest to
11:07ever do it.
11:08And that is Ilya Toporia.
11:23America's hopes for a homegrown champion at UFC Freedom 250 rest with Justin Gaethje.
11:30From humble beginnings in rural Arizona, Gaethje was raised on the values of hard work and perseverance.
11:38Foundations that helped shape one of the most respected and entertaining fighters in combat sports.
11:45I think I have absolutely lived out the American dream.
11:48We all come from somewhere, and I come from a very small place.
11:51It's Africa, Arizona.
11:53In small town America, all you see is people working hard.
11:57I am so lucky to have the parents I have.
12:00My main goal is to make them proud, and I think that's because they were such good parents.
12:03They always led by example.
12:06They worked their ass off, and they sacrificed so much for me.
12:10Their work ethic is definitely something that has taught me to stay grounded.
12:16I think it's a huge part of why I've been able to be successful.
12:20I'm happy to represent such a great community of God-fearing, hard-working people.
12:26Safford is a small community. It's supported by a copper mine.
12:31I started there in 1984.
12:34My dad worked there for 42 years. Her dad worked there for 42 years.
12:39They're all blue-colored, very hard-working people, so that's where children learn about hard work and dedication.
12:52We all knew from the get-go that Justin's got that competitive spirit.
12:56So these are just a bunch of stuff that, you know, report cards, books, high school, state championship tournament.
13:03This one's kind of fun. It says, there's no crime in not reaching your goal, but only failing to set
13:08one.
13:09And he had to write three goals, and he wrote, win Reno, win State, and win Flowing Wells.
13:14And those were his three goals, and he accomplished all three of them, so.
13:18But since Justin was a little kid, he would always tell me, I'm going to be a professional athlete.
13:22He was just a good athlete to begin with. He started wrestling at four years old and started being very
13:26successful at wrestling.
13:28And we saw the potential. He just took it to another level.
13:33I can't believe our little blonde boy is headlining the UFC White House card.
13:37I can't believe you made him wear those ugly shirts.
13:42In high school, you could see how good he was going to be in wrestling.
13:47I never thought he would go into the UFC or MMA or anything like that.
13:52When he was in college, he had some fighters come in and train in his wrestling room.
13:57They brought him in so these college kids could help them with their wrestling.
14:00I remember him telling me, they were regular people like me, and I figured, if they can do it, I
14:05can do it.
14:05And that's when he started thinking about it and talked to his coaches, and that's how he got into the
14:12fighting world.
14:17When I got to college, me and one of my best friends thought it would be a good idea to
14:21take a fight, and I took my first fight.
14:24I had a slam knockout in 26 seconds.
14:29That's how I got the nickname, The Highlight.
14:34That was definitely the moment that I fell in love with this sport.
14:37That's going to be it. The fight's over!
14:39Dustin Gacy!
14:41When he started doing fights, he knew what his career path was going to be.
14:44He knew he was going to end up in the UFC.
14:47We knew he was going to be good at it.
14:49Other than he didn't know how to box. I mean, he had never boxed in his entire life.
14:53He'd never really been in a fight in his entire life.
14:58He knew there was going to be a lot he would need to learn, and luckily he met Trevor, and
15:02Trevor taught him how to box.
15:09I met Justin in 2010.
15:12I heard about him, and I was able to go out there and watch him perform, and it was one
15:16of the most spectacular things I've ever watched.
15:18And he was an amateur.
15:20That's what I want you focusing on today, Justin.
15:22Not a crazy workout, just getting flow.
15:25So get your right foot to stick a little earlier, so I got drive on my one-two.
15:29Then I invited him out to the gym, because he had no coaches.
15:31And make sure your hips are moving with your shoulders.
15:34Beautiful.
15:35Then we just really started to click.
15:39He was so coachable.
15:41Boom, down. Yeah. Oh, thank you.
15:43So that's your shift.
15:44And when I see a guy that has that type of ability when they're brand new to the sport.
15:47I just want you getting your shoulders back. Yes.
15:50And you know I'm trying to counter. Oh, it's wonderful.
15:52That, to me, is someone that can go really far.
15:55And he was a guy that I bragged about from the beginning for a long time, that he was going
15:59to go all the way.
15:59Justin Gaethje is the very personification of must-see television.
16:04F***ing love you, brother. Here we go.
16:07Best in the f***ing world, right?
16:09He set out with a purpose to be the most entertaining fighter in the world today.
16:13Oh!
16:14Overcut! And then a knee as well for Gaethje!
16:16His head coach, Trevor Whitman, said he'd never had anyone say that to him.
16:20I've been so lucky and so blessed to have Trevor.
16:22Gaethje, get on the leg!
16:24Again!
16:25Trevor Whitman just seems to be the perfect in to Justin Gaethje's gang.
16:29The man's a genius. The way that his mind works is perfectly designed for mixed martial arts.
16:34Oh!
16:35Big right from Gaethje!
16:36And I think Gaethje is the perfect student for the style that Trevor Whitman teaches.
16:41Amazing, Gaethje!
16:42The way that he coaches is the way that I learn.
16:44He teaches a blood and guts style. He teaches an attacking, marauding style.
16:48Oh!
16:49And Gaethje just absorbs that. I mean, that is him.
16:51He's an artist, I'm a canvas, and we are creating masterpieces.
16:55You want to put him down, you kill the body, you kill the legs, and put it to the f***ing
16:59bag.
16:59This guy is a highlight waiting to happen.
17:02Oh!
17:02Big uppercut for Gaethje!
17:04And there is no one that is as much of must-see TV as Justin Gaethje.
17:08Oh!
17:08One thing that you can't do with Justin is steal the show.
17:12So if you want good fights, you stick Gaethje in there.
17:15That's why they put him on the main events.
17:17It's because he finishes the night with the greatest fights that you're ever going to see.
17:22And that's why Justin's in this position.
17:25Gaethje's illustrious UFC run saw him collect the interim lightweight and BMF titles.
17:32Oh!
17:33Justin Gaethje wins the BMF belt!
17:38The undisputed title remains the one accomplishment yet to achieve.
17:45Gaethje's focus remained on the lightweight belt holder Ilya Tepuria.
17:50Until news broke of an unexpected hiatus.
17:53Ilya Tepuria sadly is taking a little bit of time away from the sport.
17:57He put a statement on Twitter that read,
17:58I won't be fighting for the first quarter of next year.
18:01And as soon as the matters are resolved, I will begin my return.
18:06With the champion sidelined, an opportunity presented itself for the perennial contender to once again become undeniable
18:13against a surging star from across the Atlantic.
18:16We are underway.
18:19Oh!
18:19Huge fight for Gaethje.
18:20He knows this is his last shot and a man with his back against the wall.
18:25Oh!
18:25Especially a man like Justin Gaethje is a very dangerous man.
18:29Oh!
18:30Whoo!
18:30What a fight!
18:32These guys have laid it out on the line, man.
18:36Yeah, I just want to thank my parents.
18:38And thank you guys for coming out.
18:40America, baby!
18:41Well, I hope the next time we see you is at the White House.
18:44Congratulations, sir!
18:45Some guys were just meant to fight each other.
18:49And that applies to Justin Gaethje and Ilya Toporia.
18:53Justin, he's a very entertaining fighter.
18:55And I love to have an opponent like him because I know that we are going to provide one of
19:01the greatest fights.
19:04To be in this position right now is crazy because I'm a champion in the UFC.
19:08But I'm still in the same mindset where I have not accomplished what I have set out to accomplish to
19:13become undisputed champion.
19:15This fight against Ilya will be my last chance to accomplish undisputed gold.
19:20I understand that.
19:22It's a lot of pressure.
19:23I relish that chance.
19:24And it's everything that I can ask for.
19:27You put Justin Gaethje in there, a guy that can knock your lights out against Ilya Toporia.
19:31It's the perfect fight and it will guarantee fireworks.
19:42Ahead of the biggest fight in his career at UFC Freedom 250,
19:46lightweight champion Ilya Toporia has decided to relocate to the United States
19:50and chose a city that reflects the typical surroundings of his former home.
19:55Miami is the most similar to Spain.
19:58I grew up in Alicante, which has a beach, which has a good time.
20:03So I had to choose a place according to my life level.
20:09And Miami can achieve all the requirements.
20:13The UFC in the White House.
20:16The biggest event of sports.
20:20I was going to head off
20:21I'm going to head out to the jugar.
20:23This is aielo, where I do a lot of work.
20:27I'm very sure my opponent will come out there too.
20:37MŚŠCZTĘ
20:38MŚŠCZTĘ
20:38RENOŠMMA MŚŠCZTĘ
20:39Trevor Wittman
20:40has guided Justin Gaethje
20:41through the biggest victories
20:42of his career.
20:44Now, with a formidable
20:45challenge ahead of them,
20:46the duo aim to craft
20:48the formula
20:48to overcome
20:49the undefeated champion.
20:51When it comes to
20:52watching stuff,
20:53I look at tendencies
20:54because anybody can come in
20:55with a different type
20:56of game plan,
20:56so I look at the things
20:57that someone does
20:58over and over
20:59I look at what makes someone great,
21:01and I also look at what makes them weak.
21:04Still same tendencies.
21:06There's things that I see in different fights.
21:08He commits to combinations,
21:10and he throws at 100%.
21:11You have to respect that.
21:15Sometimes he'll wrestle,
21:16and usually when he wrestles, he's been hurt.
21:19But I look for these types of tendencies
21:21of what's causing this,
21:22because we're not going to fight his fight.
21:24We want to fight our fight.
21:27Ilya is a superstar,
21:28but he is 100% human,
21:30and we're going to show him that night.
21:39Ilya is definitely my toughest foe to date.
21:43The challenge is extraordinary.
21:47Okay, speed up the short motions, not big motions, short.
21:51I got into the sport for chances like this
21:54to fight the best in the world.
21:58He's done some special things.
22:00He has a lot of momentum behind him,
22:02and this is the perfect opportunity to do something so special.
22:06There you go. Wonderful.
22:09Belief is everything.
22:11Justin's one of those guys that nothing scares him.
22:14That's wonderful.
22:15Going out there and beating Ilya,
22:17who everybody thinks is the biggest killer in the game right now,
22:19I think that's a stamp that we want as Team Gaethje.
22:24There's a lot of great fighters out there,
22:26but the greatest fighters are the finishers.
22:27There you go.
22:29The ones that taste blood and they go in for the kill.
22:32Nice, Justin. Good.
22:33I love it, Justin. Thank you.
22:35That's where I would say that Justin and Ilya are similar.
22:38Good.
22:39Great on that right knee. Thank you.
22:40For a long period of his career,
22:42he was focused on being the most exciting fighter in the world,
22:44and then we started to be more disciplined.
22:47Good position.
22:48Change up styles.
22:49Be a lot more methodical when it came to putting together game plans
22:52and the way he fights.
22:53Good. Good.
22:55It's been very hard for him to get away from those exciting fights.
22:58I think he's built that into his subconscious nature.
23:01Boom, boom. Oh, I love that.
23:04How does he go out there and beat guys who are undefeated
23:06or haven't lost for such a long period of time?
23:09How does he overcome all these fights where he's the underdog?
23:13That's a very unique trait to Justin that stands out
23:17outside of all the other athletes in the UFC.
23:20Good.
23:21When you get to face someone great like Ilya,
23:24I love doing the unthinkable as a coach.
23:26I love it, Justin.
23:28Your right leg looks great. Good.
23:29We have our goal, and it's getting that belt.
23:33And I cannot wait to see Justin go out there
23:36and become undisputed champion.
23:4130 seconds, Justin.
23:45Is this going to be the best fight you've ever watched?
23:55The location may have changed,
23:57but the preparation remains the same.
24:01for the champion and his team.
24:09The style of the fight of Ilya is quality.
24:11Quality at 100%.
24:13Ilya is focused on the striking because he loves it.
24:16And we treat the striking as if we were boxing professionals.
24:20Three, two, one...
24:22Time.
24:24The potential that he has is brutal.
24:26He has a stone of steel.
24:29He wants the fight to exchange.
24:35Three times.
24:40He wants to win.
24:42He wants to move forward.
24:43I think it's a style that we are good.
24:44He wants to move forward.
24:45Ilya knows how to move forward.
24:47He knows how to move forward.
24:48He knows how to move forward.
24:49And we will carry the fight on our ground.
24:50Let's see another knockout of Ilya.
24:52Time.
24:53One, two, three, four.
24:58I don't train to win.
25:00I train to dominate.
25:01I train to shine.
25:03I train to win in passion.
25:11I don't care how he's preparing.
25:15I'm 100% confident that he's not going to be able to match my level of skills inside the
25:23I see a lot of holes in his game.
25:30And I'm going to expose all the holes that he has in striking.
25:41And I'm going to pull him to sleep in the first round.
25:44In fashion.
25:51The trash talk is him being overconfident.
25:54He thinks he's unbeatable.
25:56I think it's just a huge mistake.
25:59Good job with your hand position, Justin.
26:00Bringing him back.
26:01He's forgetting how much danger he's going to be in.
26:05I'm here to teach him that lesson.
26:10You can't compare my skills to Justin's.
26:14And this is what I'm going to prove June 14.
26:19If he really thinks that I'm wrong, come and prove me wrong.
26:23We're squeezing this left hook the whole time.
26:25This whole fight, I want to leave everything out there.
26:28I absolutely want to push the pace.
26:30Yep.
26:31Good.
26:32Take his confidence away.
26:33Good.
26:34Keep squeezing the whole time.
26:36And then find the finish.
26:37A little bit more weight on your right knee.
26:39When I do, it will be amazing for my country, for my family, for me.
26:43It will be legendary.
26:45It will be legendary.
26:48Hand time!
26:58History has been made!
27:00Conor McGregor!
27:02Unprecedented, rarefied air!
27:06Throughout UFC history, becoming a two-division champion has been a rare accomplishment achieved by an elite few.
27:12All my life for this two belt!
27:15Yeah!
27:17Those guys that are that good are just different.
27:20At UFC Freedom 250, one man looks to break new ground.
27:24Chasing greatness in pursuit of a third-divisional title.
27:29From humble beginnings to international superstar, the rise of Alex Pereira has been nothing short of remarkable.
27:37Alex Poetan Pereira just continues to up the ante and raise the bar.
27:42He could be a three-division world champion for the first time.
27:47In preparation for the most significant moment of his career, the Brazilian has returned to where it all began.
27:56For me, it's always important to be in Brazil, in my country.
28:04For sure, it will help me a lot to keep connected with my past.
28:12This is very important to me. It brings me a very good energy.
28:17And in a different place, Sobralha.
28:22Here is where the Glover was born, another champion.
28:25Here is a very good place.
28:29It's a different place.
28:30Where I was born?
28:32I was born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo.
28:35How are you?
28:36How are you?
28:36How are you?
28:37How are you?
28:38I had a difficult life.
28:41I started to work again.
28:43I started to work early, with 12 years old.
28:48When I was young, I drank a lot.
28:52I was missing a little responsibility.
28:55It was my reason to enter in the fight.
28:57When I was a kid, we were in a fight.
29:01I thought, I think the fight will be good for me.
29:04And I proved it.
29:08And still, Alex Pereira!
29:11From the start, the talent was undeniable.
29:15And in kickboxing, Pereira became a record-breaking sensation.
29:18He has done it!
29:21Glory's first ever!
29:22Two division!
29:24Simultaneous world champion!
29:30Wow, so...
29:33In kickboxing, I had done everything there.
29:37So I decided to make this transition from kickboxing to MMA.
29:41I am beyond excited to see this man's debut.
29:45This is one of the most ferocious fighters that has ever entered into the sport.
29:50I believed that I could do a lot of things and become a champion.
29:55Alex Pereira is a different kind of beast.
29:59Oh!
30:00Oh my goodness!
30:01Alex Pereira!
30:02That's what I'm talking about.
30:03How good is that?
30:05It's a different kind of power.
30:07Oh!
30:09That's your fight for Pereira!
30:11Just one year after making his octagon debut,
30:13Pereira was a UFC champion.
30:17Oh!
30:17Here's that left hook!
30:18Here to back!
30:19Adesanya's on wobbly legs!
30:21Oh my God!
30:21Down goes the champion!
30:23For many, this would mean reaching the pinnacle.
30:26But for Poetano, greatness demands more.
30:29Being a champion of UFC is a greatness.
30:32But greatness, I think, is the realization of a dream.
30:37It's this legacy that I'm leaving.
30:40Alex Pereira has his sights set on history.
30:43Oh!
30:44That is going to do it!
30:45Alex Pereira!
30:46The ninth two-division champion in UFC history!
30:49Whoa!
30:49We've talked about rapid rises, fighters becoming future Hall of Famers in a short amount of time.
30:54No one's done it quite like this.
30:57Oh!
30:58He's out cold!
30:59Jamal Hill's out!
31:01And still!
31:02My goodness!
31:03The biggest superstar in mixed martial arts at present.
31:05Oh!
31:06That could be the beginning of the end!
31:08Alex Pereira reigns supreme!
31:12To see the conditions that I had before, the conditions that I have today, it's very important to me.
31:19Go!
31:20Go!
31:21Go!
31:22Go!
31:23Go!
31:23Go!
31:24Oh!
31:26Alex Pereira remains on top of the MMA world!
31:30But the main thing is to do something that nobody did.
31:33It is Poetan's world!
31:37Oh!
31:38That's a big right hand!
31:39Oh!
31:40My goodness!
31:41That'll do it!
31:42Just domination!
31:44Holy cow!
31:46That was an angry man who just wanted to prove a point.
31:50What the most motivated me now is to go to the third level, to be the champion of three divisions.
31:57He's been talking about going up to heavyweight.
31:59I say, let him go!
32:01Let's see!
32:07Standing in the way of Pereira's lofty ambitions is Cyril Gunn.
32:12A naturally gifted heavyweight whose rapid ascension in the sport mirrors that of his upcoming opponent.
32:21As a master of movement and mentality, the Frenchman adapted a unique skill set from the court to combat sports.
32:28When I was really young, I started playing basketball.
32:32I was really good.
32:35I tried a professional career, but unfortunately, it didn't work out.
32:40And my whole friend told me, come to try a different sport. And it was Muay Thai.
32:48When I started, it was a new sport, but I understood everything.
32:52Because I came to Muay where I was pretty comfortable on my feet because of the basketball.
33:00I just started fighting. I enjoyed myself. I feel it. Everything was really easy for me.
33:08After three years of Muay Thai, I switched to MMA.
33:11And still, TKO World Heavyweight Champion!
33:16That is a scary heavyweight.
33:22After three professional MMA fights, Gunn landed in the UFC and blazed his way through the heavyweight rankings.
33:29Welcome to the UFC, Cyril Gunn!
33:32This guy is so skillful and fights with such a finesse that you rarely see in the heavyweight division.
33:37It was my style in Muay Thai. Not that change in MMA.
33:40First round submission victory!
33:43I will be aware of my national distance. Touch and never get Dutch.
33:46You rarely see a guy who's so technical mixing up his reads.
33:50The skill that this man has on the feet is absolutely fantastic.
33:54The big bombs are coming!
33:56Pouring on the pressure here!
33:57The power, when he chooses to use it, is phenomenal.
34:00Dude's a real problem.
34:02They give it a heel hook!
34:03There's a down!
34:04Oh, and he gets the top!
34:05This man is a quick learner, and he has become one of the best heavyweights in MMA very expeditiously.
34:12Three years after strapping on the four-ounce gloves, Gunn earned his first shot at UFC Gold,
34:17facing Derrick Lewis for the interim heavyweight title.
34:20Yeah, there's an uppercut from Gunn and now a left hand!
34:23Siddle Gunn on the cusp of a world title!
34:26Huge shots from Gunn!
34:28It's over now.
34:29It's over.
34:30And that is it!
34:31France has a UFC champion, Siddle Gunn!
34:36It was something really special, really special.
34:38It was an incredible movement sport in France.
34:44Gunn's rise has been central to MMA's growing popularity in France.
34:49Beyond his success inside the octagon, the heavyweight contender remains committed to expanding the sport in his home nation.
34:56Thank you very much, Cyril.
34:57It's a pleasure, my friend.
34:58It's a pleasure.
34:59It's a pleasure.
34:59It's a pleasure?
34:59You can see this evolution, MMA rising more and more since the day I had the belt.
35:05How are you doing?
35:06How are you doing?
35:08The French people are really proud about this country.
35:12This is a war spirit.
35:16So now, we can see a lot of young future stars.
35:20Hello everyone and a very warm welcome to ARES Fighting Championship.
35:26There we go, dropped him with a jab and he continues the onslaught.
35:31For a few years, MMA has really evolved in France.
35:35The public is very good.
35:36The public in France is very good.
35:38The real public of MMA.
35:39We have a real public.
35:41We have a real public.
35:41It's all right.
35:43It's all right.
35:43It's an example for all athletes who want to get out of their quality,
35:47that they are in their lives every day or even at the entrance.
35:51It's cool to have a representative.
35:54It's all right.
35:55It's the one who showed me the path.
35:59It's the one who showed me the path.
36:01You've inspired me from my first debut in a amateur.
36:04Thank you very much.
36:06If I got the title, the people are going to be really proud.
36:10Because of the story I have, I was up and down.
36:19After winning Interim Gold, Cyril Ghosn endured a turbulent run
36:23that saw him fall short in two undisputed title fights.
36:29By 2025, the Frenchman had battled his way back
36:33to a third championship opportunity against Tom Aspinall.
36:37Look at the relaxation, the smile on the face of Cyril Ghosn.
36:41It's almost like he's looking at everybody like,
36:44hey, while everybody's so high on this Aspinall,
36:47I know something that you don't.
36:49Paul knows it's going to be an easy fight for Tom.
36:53And the people see, after five minutes, something completely different.
36:58The tension is palpable, undisputed.
37:01UFC heavyweight title on the line.
37:03Oh, nice! Left hand by Cyril.
37:08Speed on that lead hand.
37:09He's eating so many jabs.
37:11He is getting right in Tom's face.
37:13Cyril Ghosn is very good.
37:14I can't recall a time I've seen blood on the face of Tom Aspinall.
37:18More adversity than he's ever dealt with the octagon.
37:22Unfortunately, I did a mistake during this middle kick,
37:25and he tried to go forward, so my hand was there.
37:28I tried to push him, and the first thing I had to push,
37:31it was his head. Unfortunately, I touched his eyes.
37:35Looked like an eye poke there as Gon had the fingers opened and extended.
37:39That was a pretty bad one.
37:42Take a moment.
37:44Oh, my gosh.
37:45It looks like he said I can't see.
37:47And that's going to do it.
37:49It was a mistake. This is my mistake.
37:51You can see that he was trying to kind of measure the range with his hands.
37:55Cyril's disappointed, and he was fighting a wonderful first round.
37:58We see that he was clearly affected pretty badly with the aftermath of the fight.
38:03He's been advised that he can't fight yet.
38:06Aspinall's injury would delay the unfinished business at the top of the division.
38:10With Pereira targeting a move to heavyweight,
38:13and Gon remaining the number one contender,
38:15an interim title was arranged.
38:17And France once again rallied behind their leading man.
38:20Cyril Gon, Alex Pereira, for the interim title at the White House.
38:25We're happy for your presence tonight.
38:27But also to talk about your next match,
38:29the 14th of June,
38:30next in the Jardins of the Maison Blanche.
38:32It will be historic already in a historic monument.
38:35I guarantee that that is going to be a ridiculous fight.
38:40I'm on the mission
38:42to have the indisputed belt.
38:44I'm going to be in this fight against Pereira.
38:47Should he win the fight,
38:48then we figure out Cyril Gon versus Adapamal.
38:51And I'm going to have my revenge against Thomas Pinal
38:54and to have my indisputed titan.
39:05Alex Pereira has become renowned not only for his dominance in combat sports,
39:11but also for his commitment to giving back.
39:15Can I give you a hug?
39:17It's over.
39:18It's over.
39:19It's over.
39:19It's over.
39:19It's over.
39:20Determined to use his platform for good,
39:22the Brazilian has taken pride in supporting communities along his journey.
39:25It's over.
39:27It's over.
39:29It's over.
39:31It's over.
39:32I've achieved many things,
39:33but it's the most important thing.
39:35It's inspiring a lot of people,
39:37helping those who need.
39:39Can I give you a hug?
39:40I don't know.
39:42I don't know.
39:43Thank you so much.
39:45This makes me happy.
39:46Call or not call?
39:48Call!
39:50That same generosity now extends to the people of Subralia,
39:54where Pereira has set up a camp in preparation for his upcoming title fight.
39:59Well, since the beginning,
40:01when I came here,
40:03we'd be here just training.
40:05But I said to the Glover,
40:06we have to move on to this place here.
40:09It's a bit stopped.
40:13We did a tour here.
40:17Go more brave,
40:18go more brave.
40:22There are many people here carentes,
40:24who need some things to go home,
40:26so we bought liquidificators,
40:29batedeira,
40:29elastos domésticos,
40:30geladeira,
40:31fogão.
40:32And then I said,
40:33let's do a bingo.
40:39It's been fantastic, man.
40:41It's been a little fun to me to distract me
40:44and not just get out of training.
40:47And we're turning around here.
40:51It was a very good moment.
40:53It's very important and satisfying.
41:01At the elite level,
41:03preparation and execution
41:05can mean the difference between glory and defeat.
41:08In search of a strategic edge,
41:11heavyweight contender Cyril Ghosn and his team
41:13have enlisted the help of one of Alex Pereira's former opponents.
41:17He keeping his chin very high.
41:19Do you see?
41:20Every time.
41:21This is a bit of a chess match.
41:22And look at Vahitav.
41:24Artem was in the rain twice with Alex Pereira.
41:27No one's really gone after Pereira like this,
41:29but Vahitav is right in front of him applying the pressure.
41:32Because everyone's scared, you know,
41:33but you don't need to be scared.
41:35Just pressurizing first.
41:36I just brought him because we want the fight.
41:39We need to talk with a guy that was close to him,
41:42fought with him.
41:43Aytav looking for a way in.
41:45There's a left hook that meets him.
41:46So his mindset, the mindset of the team,
41:49and then we can work with that.
41:51Make me a physical preparation
41:53at the same time you make the strategy.
41:55Okay? Let's go!
42:03Very good.
42:35Very good.
42:40Oh!
42:42Counter right from Anastanya!
42:44So I'm also a kickboxer.
42:46He's a good speed, movement, feeling, timing.
42:51I think it will be an interesting match.
42:53Come on!
42:54Come on!
42:54Come on!
42:56Come on!
42:57We saw that Alex has lost weight.
43:00I think this will not be his use.
43:03Because Cyril in this weight
43:04feels comfortable.
43:06He's been a lot of years old.
43:07You've managed to make him a good distance,
43:09and you leave.
43:11The fight will be a long time.
43:13Cyril will get the deal to the end
43:14and he will get the title.
43:23Oh, Cyril Grandin is training with Vaktov?
43:26It doesn't make a difference.
43:29Kickboxer, MMA,
43:30it's different sport.
43:32And I'm not the same when I fought with Vaktov.
43:35I've evolved a lot.
43:38Maybe he has this thought
43:40that the guy will pass something,
43:41but it's him who's going to be there.
43:43It's him who's going to be there.
43:44It's him who's going to be there.
43:46If Artin Vaktov was a honest guy,
43:50the best information would be like,
43:52take care of this guy,
43:54this guy is ******.
43:59You're trying to work hard.
44:01You're trying to beat him now.
44:04You're trying to beat him.
44:05He's trying to beat him.
44:08To do it.
44:09He's trying to beat him.
44:09His style is different,
44:10the way he moves.
44:12But I came across
44:14watching the fights
44:15from all enemies.
44:18And in real life
44:19no one had to do.
44:20No one made other ones
44:20No one made him.
44:22Myślę, że jest bardzo dobry dla pesu pesado.
44:31Jestem bardzo dobry defensy.
44:34Moja technika i moja inteligencja
44:38będzie wielka różnica.
44:41To nie tylko że on ma potencjały.
44:44To jest inteligencja, która wydarzyła tego potencjału.
44:47To kraftki.
44:48We're talking about heavy peso.
44:50To jest bardzo wyraźnie, i to jest bardziej dangerous.
44:58A loti atleti zawsze muszą go doleć bardzo kombiny,
45:02to wyraźnie się do wyraźnie.
45:04Z to tylko wyraźnie,
45:06to jest wyraźnie wyraźnie.
45:09On jest najwybrał jedyne jedyne odbyt,
45:12jedyne odbyt.
45:14A jaka jest to, co się dzieje.
45:16We've been training a lot, you know?
45:19I can't put it in practice.
45:21A minimum percentage.
45:22I think I'm going to get out of the victory
45:24and... well, more than a cinturon.
45:26To be the first experience for him
45:31to jump in the heavyweight division,
45:33but the heavyweight division is my division.
45:35Oh!
45:37What a finish!
45:38By zero gag!
45:39I'm a high level technical striker.
45:41This man's striking is some of the very best
45:43in any division.
45:44I can't move really well,
45:46so I got a lot of things on my side.
45:48He's so athletic, so dynamic,
45:50and that's what really sets him apart.
45:53Oh!
45:54Huge shots from God!
45:55Oh, he's hurt, it's over.
45:56My prediction is a big win against Pereira.
45:59Opa, how can't you do it?
46:00And if I can't, I'm going to knock him out.
46:04I, with my confidence, want to get out of there
46:06with my arms raised,
46:08with another cinturon,
46:09and making a story.
46:29This could be absolute action.
46:32It's going to be so good.
46:41On June 14th, the octagon will arrive
46:45at the doorstep of the White House,
46:48where four fighters will aim to win UFC gold
46:51in the truly one-of-one event.
46:55to have this kind of event in Washington,
46:57in the White House.
46:59I'm really excited about this.
47:03This is a historic place, White House.
47:05It's going to be huge.
47:09It's going to be huge.
47:09I could be fighting for the White House.
47:11It's not everyone.
47:13There's a big minority there,
47:14and I'm part of it.
47:17I don't know, 300 years,
47:19they're going to be talking about me.
47:22Getting a chance to fight
47:23on the lawn of the White House,
47:25in the capital of our country,
47:27such an honor.
47:29How amazing it's going to be that.
47:32Two legends.
47:33The biggest event in the sports history.
47:37The fight in an iconic place,
47:39like the White House.
47:41How lucky we are
47:42to be part of this crazy event.
47:44Our life is crazy.
47:45It is, it is.
47:46Headlining.
47:47We are going to go to the history book.
47:53It all goes down in Washington, D.C.
47:57at UFC Freedom 250.
48:06Now the Shotsmuck.
48:08I think it's next time.
48:09Let's take a look and start.
48:09If I read every book in a village,
48:09Good morning.
48:10is well it's because of a lot of minutes.
48:10Of course,
48:10and she's unable to cover what
48:10Truth is back to the Marina
48:10so we can't terminate and
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