Behind the scenes for UFC fighters' week at the White House - ESPN

WASHINGTON — The 14 fighters selected to participate on the UFC card at the White House are a part of a one-in-a-career event that is likely never to happen again. Combined, these fighters have experienced hundreds of fight weeks, but the lead-up to Sunday's show on the White House lawn is unlike any of those.

Yes, there is media to do and weight to make, just like any other fight week. But this week in Washington had sightseeing tours around national monuments as well as training at FBI headquarters and in hotel conference rooms late at night. There have been haircuts, shopping sprees and a few golf swings, too.

Before UFC Freedom 250 starts, take a look behind the scenes at how fighters have spent their week in Washington.

Photography by Carolyn Van Houten for ESPN.

UFC heavyweight Ciryl Gane takes time to work on his swing in a golf simulator before the full weight of fight week hits the team. He picked up the game a year ago but says he already has plans to play competitively down the road. His older brother, David, describes Gane as a guy «everyone can become friends with,» which is apparent as he bounces around the room, challenging friends to shuffleboard matches between swings. At one point, he finds a random football on the floor and begins a full-speed game of catch, until the ball bounces into another group's bay.

Gane used to openly share these light, fun moments of his life on social media but has pulled back in recent years. In 2023, Jon Jones made dismissive comments about Gane's love for video games before their title fight at UFC 285. Jones suggested Gane was distracted from reaching his full potential as a fighter. Gane was surprised the narrative took off and has since been far more protective in what