President Trump says he will host a UFC fight at the White House to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary
President Donald Trump has announced plans for the White House to host a UFC fight to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary next year.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump says construction will soon begin on a temporary facility to hold an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the South Lawn of the White House in June.
“The arena, we’re going to start construction within the next week,” President Trump told reporters on May 1, describing the approximately 5,000-seat arena that will include an octagonal fight cage. He said an additional 100,000 spectators will be able to watch on screens as far away as the White House Ellipse.
“It’s all free. It’s going to be great,” President Trump said.
The seven-fight UFC event scheduled for June 14 will coincide with President Trump’s 80th birthday and commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The headliner is a fight between Ilya Topuria and Justin Gaethje. UFC CEO Dana White, a close friend and ally of Trump, said he believes this will be the most-watched event in UFC history.
The centerpiece of the arena is on display in Lititz, Pennsylvania, where a mock-up of the towering 90-foot open-air structure was erected ahead of the White House event.
The White House declined to provide further details about its structure or events.
An avid sports fan, Trump often hosted boxing matches at his casino during his real estate days in the 1980s and 1990s, watching from ringside as the likes of Mike Tyson won their matches. In recent years, he has frequently participated in UFC fights, including one in Miami on April 11th.
During his second term, President Trump has overseen dramatic changes to the White House grounds, including paving the lawn border of the famous Rose Garden and demolishing the east wing of the White House to make way for a huge ballroom.
But no event exemplifies President Trump’s norm-shattering approach to the White House more than hosting a UFC fight night in his mansion’s backyard.
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