The White House is preparing to host a UFC event, erecting a cage on the South Lawn. The event will celebrate 250 years of American independence.
UFC Arena Construction Underway
Construction has begun on a UFC fighting cage at the White House on its South Lawn. Workers are assembling domed arches and a staging area. Renderings suggest an octagon-shaped ring surrounded by a wire-mesh fence and thousands of temporary seats.
According to US President Donald Trump, the project will be the “biggest event” the UFC has ever had. It will feature an “arena right outside the front door of the White House”.
The event, named UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for 14 June. The UFC is set to spend approximately $60m (£44.3m) on the project.
Fight Card and Ticket Details
The event will be headlined by two championship title fights. Alex Pereira from Brazil will face Ciryl Gane from France for the interim UFC heavyweight crown. Georgian Ilia Topuria is set to take on current interim champion Justin Gaethje for the lightweight bout.
UFC president Dana White said that 4,300 people will watch the event on the South Lawn. Most of these will be members of the military. In addition, 85,000 tickets will be available for free to the public at the nearby Ellipse Park.
The UFC has stated that no tickets will be sold to the general public. Trump has commented on the high demand for tickets.
VIP Packages and Event Costs
The promotion will offer “high roller” packages for VIP guests. These packages will grant special access at the event. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reports that these packages could cost guests $1.5m.
TKO Group Holdings, the UFC’s parent company, said the UFC will not profit from the event. President Mark Shapiro described the show as “an investment for the long term”.
A First for the White House
While the White House has hosted recreational sports and events in the past, this UFC show will be the first professional live sporting event on the grounds.
The event is another in a series of construction projects by the Trump administration. These projects aim to remake the residence.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has added gold details to the Oval Office, paved over the rose garden to install a patio space, refurbished the bathroom attached to the Lincoln bedroom, and demolished the East Wing to make room for a new ballroom.
The UFC is set to spend about $60m on the White House event.