Bulletproof Troop’s UFC Freedom 250 Countdown

If you’re a fight fan, UFC Freedom 250 is one of those events you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

UFC Freedom 250 isn’t just another pay-per-view. It’s a landmark moment in combat sports history. The UFC will bring the Octagon to the White House grounds as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, creating one of the most unique sporting events ever staged.

The card is stacked from top to bottom with championship implications, superstar names, and enough knockout power to make this one of the most dangerous collections of fighters we’ve ever seen on a single event.

Let’s break down the fights that stand out the most.

Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje has been one of the most exciting fighters in MMA for nearly a decade. Every time he steps into the cage, violence follows. He’s fought the best of the best, earned his reputation the hard way, and possesses the kind of power that can change a fight with a single punch.

The problem is that he’s standing across from Ilia Topuria.

Topuria isn’t just one of the best fighters in the world right now. He has a legitimate argument for being the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. His boxing is incredibly technical, his timing is outstanding, and perhaps most importantly, he hits far harder than most people realize.

What makes Topuria special is that he combines elite-level mechanics with genuine fight-ending power. That’s a rare combination. Most fighters possess one or the other.

The biggest X-factor for Gaethje is his kicking game.

Topuria’s head movement is some of the best in MMA, but boxing-style defensive movement can occasionally create openings against high kicks. When fighters become comfortable slipping punches and rolling underneath shots, they sometimes move directly into kicking lanes. If Gaethje is going to create a major moment in this fight, I believe it comes from his ability to attack with kicks and force Topuria to think about more than just his hands.

Still, when I look at the overall matchup, I see Topuria having the advantage in speed, precision, timing, and defensive responsibility.

My prediction: Ilia Topuria by knockout before the halfway point of the fight.

Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane

We’re potentially witnessing history.

Alex Pereira is attempting something almost unimaginable. He became champion at middleweight. Then he moved to light heavyweight and became champion. Now he’s moving to heavyweight with the opportunity to become a champion in a third UFC weight class.

That’s absurd.

Since arriving in the UFC, Pereira has been on one of the most impressive runs we’ve ever seen. His power is unlike almost anyone in combat sports. When he lands clean, people go to sleep.

The biggest question isn’t skill; It’s size.

Reports have circulated that Pereira has added significant mass for this heavyweight run and could be approaching 250 pounds. While that extra size may help him physically compete with the division’s biggest athletes, it also raises questions about speed, cardio, and whether he’ll move the same way we’ve become accustomed to seeing him move.

Across from him stands Ciryl Gane, one of the most technically gifted heavyweights in the sport.

Gane is a true heavyweight. He’s been competing against big men for years. His footwork is exceptional. His movement is exceptional. His ability to strike while avoiding damage is among the best in the division.

The path to victory for both men is very clear.

Pereira needs pressure. He needs exchanges. He needs opportunities to land power shots.

Gane needs distance. He needs movement. He needs discipline.

If Gane can create a cat-and-mouse game, constantly entering range, scoring, and exiting before exchanges develop, his chances increase dramatically.

If Pereira can trap him along the fence and force prolonged striking exchanges, I think the fight changes quickly.

My prediction: Alex Pereira by knockout within three rounds.

Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis

Josh Hokit has become one of the most talked-about prospects in heavyweight MMA.

Inside the cage, he’s been phenomenal.

His victory over Curtis Blaydes was the type of performance that turns a prospect into a contender. It was exciting, it was dramatic, and it showed he belongs among the division’s best.

Outside the cage, things have been a little more mixed.

Hokit has clearly been making an effort to build a larger personality and create memorable moments at press conferences and media appearances. I actually respect the effort. Combat sports needs personalities. The challenge is that creating a character is a skill, just like fighting is a skill. Right now, some of those moments have felt more awkward than effective.

That doesn’t mean he should stop. It means he should keep working on it. As someone who developed a persona in combat sports, I can say with certainty that it takes some trial and error to find your way to authentically add entertainment value and personality to the fight game. I’m excited to see how that aspect of his brand continues to develop.

As for the fight itself, Derrick Lewis remains one of the most dangerous heavyweights in UFC history. He carries legitimate one-punch knockout power from the opening bell until the final second of the fight.

The concern for Lewis is pace.

At this stage of his career, we’ve seen moments where his output slows significantly as fights progress. Against a younger, faster, and more explosive athlete like Hokit, that’s a dangerous problem.

I expect Hokit to use his athleticism, pressure, and volume to gradually wear Lewis down. Lewis will always have the ability to end the fight with a single shot, but the longer this contest goes, the more I favor Hokit.

My prediction: Josh Hokit by TKO in the third round.

Blake “Bulletproof” Troop is a combat sports entertainer born in Los Angeles, CA. Bulletproof Troop is a competitive mixed martial arts fighter, a world champion submission grappler, knowledgeable combat sports analyst and color commentator, aspiring professional wrestler, innovative entrepreneur, talented actor, and fearless stuntman. You can read more about him and contact him here.