The White House has begun constructing a UFC fighting stage on the front lawn, preparing to host the "UFC Freedom 250" event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence. President Donald Trump stated it will be the greatest UFC event ever held.
The White House has started building the UFC fighting cage on the south lawn to prepare for the 250th anniversary celebration of US independence, scheduled for June.
Witnesses saw workers assembling a dome-shaped steel frame and stage area. According to online renderings, this structure will become an octagonal fighting cage surrounded by chain-link fencing, with temporary seating accommodating several thousand spectators.
Previously, US President Donald Trump said this project would be the "greatest event" UFC has ever organized, describing it as bringing the "arena right to the front gate of the White House."
The official event, named "UFC Freedom 250," is set for 14 June. UFC expects to invest as much as $60 million in this large-scale production. Despite the grand promotion, the highlight will feature only two championship fights.
The first bout will be between Brazilian fighter Alex Pereira and Frenchman Ciryl Gan for the interim heavyweight title. The other match features Georgian Ilia Topuria facing current interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
UFC President Dana White revealed earlier this month that about 4,300 people will have ringside seats on the south lawn, mostly military personnel. Additionally, 85,000 free tickets will be distributed to the public for viewing the live broadcast on large screens at the nearby The Ellipse park. UFC confirmed there will be no general public ticket sales through regular channels.
President Trump commented on the overwhelming ticket demand, saying, "I've never seen anyone want anything as much as people want these tickets."
The event will also offer premium packages for wealthy VIP guests, granting special access to various areas. Although UFC has not officially announced prices, well-known mixed martial arts reporter Ariel Helwani reported VIP tickets may cost as much as $1.5 million.
Meanwhile, TKO Group Holdings, UFC's parent company led by Chairman Mark Shapiro, stated that UFC will not profit from this event and views the show as a "long-term investment."
The White House has previously hosted recreational sporting activities, but this UFC event marks the first time in history a professional sporting competition will be held live within the White House grounds.
Constructing this fighting cage is part of several White House renovation projects under the Trump administration. Since returning to office, Trump has ordered gold-colored decorations added to the Oval Office, concrete over the Rose Garden to create a balcony and lounge area, bathroom upgrades near the Lincoln Bedroom, and demolition of the East Wing to clear space for a new ballroom.
,BBC