The UFC is set to make its White House debut, with several fighters competing on the South Lawn. The event, which will feature two championship fights, is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
UFC Fighters Express Excitement and Pride
UFC fighter Josh Hokit expressed his excitement and pride at competing in front of President Trump, saying it was a dream come true. Sean O’Malley also expressed his enthusiasm, calling the event ‘epic.’ Michael Chandler, who will be fighting in a lightweight bout, said he would feel ‘as high as a kite’ on his way to the cage.
The event has not been without controversy, with a federal lawsuit filed against the Trump administration’s authorization of the event. The lawsuit claims that the event violates National Park Service regulations and that no environmental review was conducted before the construction of the temporary arena.
UFC Boss Dana White Confident Event Will Proceed
Despite the lawsuit, UFC boss Dana White is confident that the event will proceed as scheduled. White said that the UFC was expecting a lawsuit and that it would not be deterred by the legal challenge.
The event will feature two championship fights, including a bout for the interim UFC heavyweight title between Brazil’s Alex Pereira and France’s Ciryl Gane. The other championship fight will be between Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim champ Justin Gaethje.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.