Key facts
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UFC President Dana White signed a memorandum of understanding for sports diplomacy.
- Rubio compared UFC to the 1969 moon landing during a White House ceremony.
- UFC cage fights are scheduled to take place on the White House's South Lawn.
- The event is part of celebrations for America's 250th birthday and President Trump's birthday.
- Concerns exist regarding the White House's ties to UFC and the event's ethical implications.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio compared UFC to America's 1969 moon landing during a White House ceremony on Thursday, ahead of the UFC Freedom 250 event scheduled for Sunday. Rubio and UFC President Dana White signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a public-private partnership for sports diplomacy, with Rubio calling the mixed martial arts company the 'United Nations of fighting.'
President Donald Trump, a known fan of the sport, has a close relationship with White. The president directed the installation of a 4,500-seat arena on the White House's South Lawn to host UFC fights as part of celebrations marking America's 250th birthday, which coincides with his own birthday this Sunday. Massive screens on The Ellipse are expected to allow up to 100,000 people to watch the event.
UFC has been described as a lifeline for Trump following the 2020 election and January 6th, as his engagement has reportedly led to rewards for the organization, including a $7.7 billion Paramount deal. However, the event has drawn criticism regarding the White House's ties to UFC and the ethical implications of hosting cage fights on the South Lawn. VIP packages for the event are reportedly priced between $1 million and $1.5 million per person. A lawsuit has been filed seeking to block the fight, citing concerns over corporate branding near the White House.