The White House South Lawn is gearing up for an unprecedented event as a UFC fight is set to take place on June 14, coinciding with Flag Day and former President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. This event is part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, an idea initially proposed by Trump last year.
Construction crews are busy assembling a fight cage and a massive lighting grid known as ‘The Claw’ on the South Lawn. UFC CEO Dana White explained that the structure was built and tested in Philadelphia before being transported to Washington, D.C.
Event Details and Participants
The fight card features American Justin Gaethje against Georgian Ilia Topuria in the lightweight title bout, and Brazilian Alex Pereira versus France’s Ciryl Gane in the heavyweight interim title bout. The event will also include meet and greets with UFC athletes, a Zac Brown Band concert, and a ceremonial weigh-in, culminating in a watch party on the Ellipse.
Tickets for the event are free but were limited, with a third reserved for military members and their families, a third for White House staff and their families, and the remaining for VIPs. UFC also allocated 200 tickets for the South Lawn, with most attendees expected to be military personnel.
Logistics and Criticism
Despite the excitement, the event has faced criticism, including concerns about security and the appropriateness of hosting such an event at the White House. Notably, podcast host Joe Rogan described the fight as a ‘gimmick’ and a ‘security nightmare,’ though he plans to attend.
UFC is covering the entire cost of the event, estimated at $60 million, viewing it as an opportunity for brand exposure. The White House has assured that weather conditions are being closely monitored with the help of the U.S. military to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.
While some political figures have criticized the event, Trump has embraced the unique nature of the occasion, stating, ‘Life is a gimmick, if you think about it, right? But it’s a good gimmick.’
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
