Jon Stewart criticizes White House UFC event

Comedian Jon Stewart on Monday criticized the White House UFC event held over the weekend, stating it "devalued both combat sports and national dignity." Stewart described the event as a "god awful mockery" that turned the White House into a "gold-plated pummeling center" and referred to President Trump as a "gladiator’s god" for hosting the fights on the South Lawn.

A lawsuit filed to block the event was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta on Friday, two days before the fights took place. The plaintiffs argued against corporate branding at the White House and potential damage to the grounds from the octagon cage construction. Judge Mehta ruled that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate they were directly affected by the defendants' actions.

UFC President and CEO Dana White called the event a "one-of-one" that "will never happen again," while also praising its fanfare during America's 250th founding anniversary celebrations. Comedian Bill Maher also voiced criticism, characterizing the event as an homage to President Trump, who turned 80 on the same day as the matches, likening it to the emperor holding gladiator games on his birthday.