President Trump Hosts White House UFC Fight Amidst Legal Challenge and Public Scrutiny
US President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday and the nation's 250th anniversary by hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on the White House lawn. This unprecedented professional sporting event at the presidential residence proceeded after an hour's delay due to adverse weather conditions.
The event commenced with President Trump, accompanied by UFC chief Dana White, walking from the White House to the arena, followed by a military flypast. Fourteen fighters competed, culminating in the main bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
Approximately 4,300 guests attended the invite-only mixed martial arts spectacle, with an additional 85,000 gathering at a nearby fan zone. The UFC reportedly spent $60 million on the event, including $700,000 for post-event grass repairs on the South Lawn.
The Public Integrity Project, an anti-corruption law firm, filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the event, alleging it was 'deeply corrupt' due to a lack of approvals for a weigh-in at the Lincoln Memorial and President Trump's close financial ties to Dana White and the UFC. However, a judge denied an emergency injunction.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated significant public disapproval, with only 16% of Americans deeming the event appropriate at the White House, compared to 46% who considered it inappropriate. Only a third of Republicans approved of the plan.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the UFC as the 'definition of American soft diplomatic power' and announced a new public-private partnership aimed at utilising the organisation as a diplomatic instrument.
