UFC confirms partnership with sanctioning body to regulate White House event

"The drama all came down to a $100 permit that at the time the UFC was refusing to acquire. The D.C. commission and its head, Andrew Huff, stated that any fight card run without this permit would be considered unsanctioned and may not be eligible for records. Huff's overarching concern is that any other event would receive this same permit that would allow the commission to be involved in the regulatory process, including the use of commission medical staff."

"This came to a close on Thursday, when the promotion announced alongside the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) that the UFC would use this regulatory entity to serve as an independent third party to operate the card. Under this agreement, the Las Vegas-based organization will work with the ABC to select the officiating crew of referees, judges and the like. Additionally, it will collaborate with the ABC for the medical examinations of the athletes before, during and after the event."

"As the event is being held on federal property, there is no requirement for the UFC to select a state athletic commission to oversee the event. The UFC expresses its commitment to ensuring..."

The UFC faced a regulatory challenge when planning UFC White House: Freedom 250 on federal property. The District of Columbia Combat Sports Commission required a $100 permit and involvement in the event's operations, including medical staff oversight. Although federal events technically allow the UFC to self-regulate, the D.C. commission threatened to deem any unsanctioned card ineligible for official records. The UFC resolved this dispute by partnering with the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) as an independent third party. Under this agreement, the ABC will collaborate with the UFC to select referees and judges, conduct medical examinations of athletes, and provide regulatory oversight, ensuring the event maintains sanctioned status.

Read at Sherdog