Washington has always been a place of political intrigue, welcoming world leaders, but on June 14, the White House will host the Ultimate Fighting Championship on the South Lawn, witnessing a titanic battle inside the Octagon.
The games are part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
The event featuring top UFC fighters will also coincide with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and is considered a premier event in Washington, DC.
Last week, Trump unveiled renderings of an octagonal cage surrounded by thousands of spectators, with the White House towering in the background.
The 5,000-seat temporary stadium will be built on the vast South Lawn, a venue typically used to welcome leaders on state visits to the United States and where the president boards the Marine One helicopter when traveling.
“I think this is going to be the biggest event we’ve ever had. I mean, the White House doesn’t really host sporting events, and these are the greatest champions. They’re the greatest fighters in the world. You look at it and you know, they’re the greatest fighters in the world,” Trump said on May 6 when UFC fighters visited the White House.
On Saturday, Trump shared images of the UFC arena on his “Truth Social” account, and the White House also released a promotional video for the event.
Invitations to the actual White House game are highly coveted, and the public can watch the games for free on a giant screen erected on a large circular lawn called the Oval just south of the presidential residence.
Trump welcomed UFC fighters Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria to the White House on Wednesday, where they will face off in a headline bout at lightweight, while heavyweights Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will compete in one of seven other bouts.
“They are real fighters. When we talk about fighters, they are fighters,” Trump said, referring to the four UFC fighters.
The winner of the contest will be awarded an American-themed UFC belt to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence.
Before entering politics, Trump hosted major boxing matches at his casinos, often appearing ringside with heavyweight stars such as Mike Tyson.
He has been a regular at UFC events, most recently appearing in Miami on April 11, the same day Vice President J.D. Vance was in Pakistan for direct talks with the Iranian leader.
This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.
