Key facts
- A lawsuit seeks to block Donald Trump's planned UFC event at the White House on June 14.
- The event is scheduled to coincide with Trump's 80th birthday.
- The lawsuit alleges the event violates rules barring sporting events on public monuments.
- Construction of a metal arena structure called 'the Claw' on the South Lawn is also being challenged.
- The White House called the lawsuit an 'obstructionist, baseless, and dilatory lawsuit'.
President Donald Trump is bringing mixed martial arts to the White House with a UFC event on the South Lawn on June 14, coinciding with his 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The event, dubbed 'UFC Freedom 250,' blends sport with political spectacle, highlighting Trump's long-standing ties to the UFC, which dates back to the early 2000s when he hosted events at his casino when other venues shunned the sport.
Trump suggested the event after a fight days following his 2024 election win. The seven-bout card will feature eight Americans and six international fighters. The main event will see lightweight champion Ilia Topuria defend his title against American challenger Justin Gaethje. Weigh-ins are scheduled for the Lincoln Memorial, and the octagon cage is set up on the South Lawn.
Two Washington-area residents filed a lawsuit on June 6, asking a U.S. judge to halt the event. They claim it violates National Park Service rules against special events at monuments and that the construction of the large arena structure, 'the Claw,' requires congressional authorization. The White House dismissed the suit as an 'obstructionist, baseless, and dilatory lawsuit.'
Trump has promoted the fights as a highly sought-after ticket, with approximately 4,000 seats installed for invited guests, including active military members. Numerous celebrities have been invited, and the UFC expects about 85,000 fans to gather outside the White House perimeter to watch on big screens. The UFC parent company, TKO Group Holdings, expects to spend $60 million on production and fighter payouts, viewing the cost as worthwhile for publicity. Sponsors include Crypto.com, and the event will be broadcast by Paramount. Trump's recent financial disclosure showed a purchase of TKO Group Holdings stock, though his organization stated his investments are managed independently.