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WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Diego Lopes walks out of the White House for a featherweight bout against Steve Garcia during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump is hosting a series of Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on his 80th birthday, which the White House is calling "a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit.” (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia squared off in a Featherweight bout earlier tonight (Sun., June 14, 2026) on the White House South Lawn from Washington, D.C., for UFC Freedom 250. In a fun scrap, Lopes emerged victorious via second-round knockout.
Watch full fight video highlights right here.
Garcia started fast, finding his range with combinations right off the bat. He pressed forward, braving the counter punches of Lopes to connect with some hard punches. Lopes found his range a bit at distance with powerful right kicks, but he couldn’t find a home for his hands early on. Garcia, conversely, doubled and tripled up on his jab and also hit the body. In the second half of the round, Lopes began to time some counter punches, one of which seemed to knock Garcia off-balance.
All told, it was a strong start for Garcia, who landed the heavier blows in greater numbers.
Garcia continued to press into the second, working behind his jab and active feints. He kept Lopes on his back foot, and the Mexican standout looked uncomfortable. He found the occasional counter punch, but he was getting drowned by the volume of Garcia. Just as it felt like Garcia was starting to run away with the fight, Lopes really opened up and got aggressive.
First, Lopes tagged Garcia with a right, building some confidence. He pressed forward and released another combination, stunning Garcia with a left hook. A second later, the duo were brawling, as Lopes was not about to let this opportunity pass him by. The two knockout artists traded hooks, and Lopes landed much harder, dropping Garcia to the canvas.
A few followup shots separated Garcia from his senses and sealed the deal.
This entertaining start to the White House card really demonstrated the Diego Lopes experience. He may not be the most technical or quickest striker on the roster, but both his fists and chin are made of cement! Lopes is an incredible opportunist as well, as good as anyone at jumping on a wounded opponent. It’s nowhere near time for an Alexander Volkanovski trilogy, but Lopes remains a top-ranked contender and fan favorite finisher after this White House win.
Result: Lopes defeats Garcia via second-round knockout
For complete UFC Freedom 250 results and play-by-play, click here.
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