Key facts
- President Donald Trump is hosting a UFC event at the White House on June 14.
- The event is named "UFC Freedom 250" and coincides with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
- The event will feature seven bouts, including a title fight.
- UFC CEO Dana White is a close ally of Trump.
- UFC is paying for the event's production costs, estimated at $60 million.
- Trump recently purchased TKO Group Holdings stock.
U.S. President Donald Trump is hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event, "UFC Freedom 250," on the White House South Lawn on June 14, which is also his 80th birthday. The event is part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and highlights Trump's long-standing relationship with the UFC and its CEO, Dana White. Trump's support for the UFC dates back to the early 2000s when other venues rejected the sport. White has been a vocal supporter of Trump's political campaigns. The event will feature seven bouts, with the main fight pitting Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria against American challenger Justin Gaethje. The South Lawn has been outfitted with an octagon cage and an arena structure. Approximately 4,000 seats are being installed on the lawn for invited guests, with a quarter reserved for active military members. The White House stated that UFC is covering the event's costs, estimated at $60 million for production and fighter payouts by TKO Group Holdings. Sponsors include Crypto.com, and the event will be broadcast by Paramount. Trump's financial disclosure form showed a recent purchase of TKO Group Holdings stock.