Key facts
- UFC is hosting an event on the White House South Lawn.
- The event is to celebrate President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- UFC President Dana White has a long-standing relationship with President Trump.
- The event occurs against the backdrop of an unpopular war and high inflation.
- White has dismissed criticism of the event's cost and location.
UFC President Dana White is hosting a fight event on the White House South Lawn, celebrating President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This event marks a significant milestone in the relationship between White and Trump, which began 25 years ago when White was establishing the UFC and Trump was a businessman.
White's early goals for the fledgling promotion were ambitious, aiming to make it the 'Super Bowl of mixed martial arts.' Now, UFC is a global sports entity, and the event at the White House is seen as a major branding opportunity for the organization. The timing of the event, amidst an unpopular war and high inflation, has drawn criticism, but White remains dismissive of detractors, emphasizing the international nature of his business.
The relationship between White and Trump has been mutually beneficial. White gained mainstream visibility and legitimacy for himself and the sport, while Trump benefited from the support of the 'manosphere' demographic that follows UFC. Both figures rose to prominence partly through reality television – Trump with 'The Apprentice' and White with 'The Ultimate Fighter,' which was crucial for UFC's survival and growth.
Historically, mixed martial arts faced significant opposition, with the late Senator John McCain famously labeling it 'human cockfighting.' It took until 2016 for New York to legalize the sport, and UFC eventually gained wider social acceptance with stars like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor.
Trump has attended multiple UFC events as president, and White has reciprocated by supporting Trump politically. Despite security concerns, including a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, White expressed no reservations about staging the event, citing the White House's security. The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted their alliance, with Trump supporting UFC's decision to continue events when other sports shut down.
While White maintains the event is not political, its optics, including a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggest otherwise. Author Lavie Margolin believes White genuinely supports Trump and that Trump is using the event to boost his public image.