WASHINGTON — The White House is preparing to host a UFC mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn on Sunday to mark President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the nation's 250th anniversary, officials said.
The event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for June 14, which coincides with Flag Day and Trump's birthday. It will feature multiple fights inside a temporary octagonal cage constructed on the lawn, according to White House and UFC statements. A federal judge ruled on Friday that the event could proceed after a lawsuit sought to block it.
UFC CEO Dana White has described the gathering as a historic spectacle. Organizers expect about 4,000 spectators on the South Lawn and additional viewers on the National Mall, with the main card streamed on Paramount+, reports said.
The production, estimated to cost around $60 million and funded by the UFC without direct taxpayer support for the event itself beyond security, includes a large canopy structure known as "The Claw" and extensive temporary seating. Preparations involved coordination with multiple federal agencies, according to media briefings and court documents.
Trump, who turns 80 on Sunday, has long maintained a relationship with White and the UFC. The idea for the White House event reportedly originated after Trump's attendance at a UFC fight at Madison Square Garden following the 2024 election. The card is expected to include high-profile bouts, such as Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje in the main event.
The White House described the event as part of broader celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. Supporters have called it a celebration of American strength and innovation in combat sports.
Critics, including plaintiffs in the recent lawsuit filed by Virginia residents, argued that hosting a commercial sporting event on the White House grounds violated National Park Service regulations regarding federal parklands. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta rejected the request for an injunction, allowing the event to move forward.
"Details remain unclear" on certain logistical aspects, such as exact security measures and any potential weather impacts, according to officials. Construction of the fighting cage and seating has drawn attention, with images of the setup widely circulated in recent days.
As of Saturday, final preparations continued on the South Lawn. The event is set to begin in the evening, with further details on the full fight card and broadcast expected from the UFC.
Trump has not issued a direct public statement on the event in the immediate lead-up, but the gathering aligns with his longstanding public support for mixed martial arts.
