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White House UFC event on South Lawn marks President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday
The White House held a UFC fight night in an octagon on the South Lawn as President Donald Trump turned 80. The card featured seven bouts, with more than 4,000 invited spectators and tens of thousands watching from the Ellipse on large screens. The event drew Democratic criticism, and Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki was reported to attend.
The White House on Sunday is hosting a UFC fight night inside an octagon cage. The event is taking place on the South Lawn on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. Seven bouts are scheduled in the Octagon. More than 4,000 invited guests are attending. Another estimated 75,000 people are gathering on the Ellipse to watch live screens.
President Trump and family members are watching from ringside seats. Hollywood figures and other invited guests are also in attendance. Rows of bleachers surround the cage for special guests and members of the military. The Octagon sits under a large support structure called The Claw. Polish media said Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki is attending while visiting the US.
White House UFC event draws criticism from Democrats
Democrats criticised the cage fight as a flashy display during a period of conflict. They linked it to the war with Iran and rising living costs. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, said: "A UFC cage. A Tesla showroom. A gold-encrusted ballroom. Trump has been busy turning the White House front lawn into his billionaire playground. What has he done for American families.\"
White House UFC event defended with past sports examples
Supporters said the White House, often called the People’s House, has held combat sports before. They noted earlier boxing and wrestling matches on the grounds. Doug Burgum, the US Interior Secretary, highlighted Theodore Roosevelt’s interest in fighting sports. Burgum wrote on X: \"Theodore Roosevelt often boxed and wrestled inside the White House, once suffering a permanent eye injury during a sparring match.\"
White House UFC event costs and funding details
The event is expected to cost about USD 60 million. The UFC is paying the full amount, according to the report. Supporters also said UFC is watched by millions. They argued the scale of the show matches a popular US sport. They also said the event is meant to be entertaining and national in mood.
White House UFC event linked to sports diplomacy plans
The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UFC. The deal aims to use mixed martial arts in sports diplomacy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the UFC \"the United Nations of fighting\". Rubio pointed to fighters from many nationalities. Rubio also noted the sport’s events across different host countries.
White House UFC event features anniversary belts and Trump’s past ties
Winners are set to receive USA-themed UFC belts. The prizes mark the 250th anniversary of US Independence. Before politics, Trump hosted major boxing events at casinos. Trump often sat ringside for stars like Mike Tyson. Trump has also attended UFC bouts regularly. The latest visit was in Miami on April 11.
The April 11 UFC appearance came as Vice President J D Vance held direct talks in Pakistan. Those talks were with the Iranian leadership, according to the report. The White House fight night now combines sports, politics, and diplomacy in one venue. The large crowd on the South Lawn and the Ellipse is central to the event’s public impact.
With inputs from PTI
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