Several A-list celebrities reportedly turned down invitations to attend Dana White’s Trump-related UFC event International Sports News

With just days left until UFC Freedom 250 transforms the South Lawn of the White House into an outdoor fighting arena, the question that’s starting to arise isn’t about which fighters will step into the cage, but who will be sitting ringside.Dana White has spent over two decades running major UFC events around the world, in arenas and stadiums on multiple continents. However, the White House card, scheduled for June 14, presents a challenge unlike anything the UFC president has attempted before.The event, which coincides with the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Declaration of Independence and coincides with what would have been Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, is expected to be one of the most unusual sporting events in recent American history. In addition to military personnel and dignitaries, White reportedly received 300 invitations, which he personally distributed to celebrity guests.according to a White was interviewed by Time magazineHis invite list includes actor Adam Sandler, film producer Guy Ritchie, former NFL star Tom Brady, musicians Jared Leto and Mario Lopez, actor Jason Statham and Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.However, some of these invitations do not appear to have been accepted.

According to Vanity Fair , several invitees will not attend

according to vanity fairseveral high-profile names associated with White’s reported guest list either declined to attend or said they would not attend the event.“A source close to The Rock told Vanity Fair that he will not be attending. Representatives for Sandler, Leto and Lopez said they also will not be attending. Representatives for the others did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The White House and UFC did not respond to requests for comment on the guest list,” the publication reported.While the reasons behind personal decisions have not been publicly disclosed, reports indicate that caution about politically related events has become increasingly common during Trump’s second presidential term.“This caution illustrates a growing trend in Trump’s second term,” Vanity Fair wrote.“As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding, a monumental milestone in the nation’s history, events planned for the 50th anniversary are increasingly seen as tainted by the vulgarity, partisanship and self-obsession that have been the hallmarks of Trump’s political career.”

A different kind of UFC event at the White House

The card itself remains unprecedented. The event was initially discussed as being held on July 4th, directly tied to Independence Day celebrations, but the event was eventually moved to June 14th. The revised date coincides with Flag Day and Trump’s birthday, while reports also indicate security and logistical issues have complicated the July 4 event.The event is expected to have about 4,300 seats under a temporary Stars and Stripes-themed building on the South Lawn, which Trump has previously compared to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

At least 1,200 of the approximately 4,300 seats will be allocated to active-duty military members, according to details outlined by Time magazine. The remaining tickets are expected to be divided between the White House, UFC and TKO Group.Dana White also confirmed that the event will feature a live performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” something the UFC has largely avoided at major events in recent years.

Celebrity exits follow another ‘Freedom 250’ controversy

The celebrity rejection reportedly comes after another controversy involving the wider Freedom 250 celebrations.Last month, several artists withdrew from the Great American State Fair concert series because they claimed they were misled about the nature of the event.Performers including Martina McBride, Young MC, Bret Michaels, The Commodores, Morris Day and members associated with Milli Vanilli have since distanced themselves from the festival.Several artists said they initially understood the celebration as a nonpartisan commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, only to later learn that the event they said had closer ties to the Trump administration.Young MC said the performers were not told to be directly involved in politics, while Fab Morvan said the event was “not something I signed up for”.The withdrawal ultimately led to the concert series being canceled entirely.Trump responded sharply, describing the departing performers as “third-rate” and suggesting the celebration should become a major political rally.“We should have a big Make America Great Again rally with 250 people instead of having singers who are overpriced and no one wants to listen to their music and their music is boring but they do nothing but complain,” Trump wrote.The revised program is expected to star performers Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio, with Trump serving as the main speaker.

June 14 is still the focus

Despite issues surrounding attendance numbers, UFC Freedom 250 remains one of the most watched events on the sporting calendar.The reduced seven-fight schedule will see Ilia Topuria defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, while Alex Pereira will compete for the interim heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.However, as boxing week approaches, attention continues to extend beyond the Octagon itself.The environment at the White House, the heightened security environment, the presence of the military, and now the reported absence of several of the celebrities originally invited by Dana White have ensured that Freedom 250 remains a story that goes far beyond mixed martial arts.