Judge Allows White House to Host UFC 'Ultimate Fight' Show

A U.S. federal judge has refused to block the White House from hosting an "ultimate fight" (UFC) mixed martial arts show on its South Lawn this weekend. The event is planned in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Judge Amit Mehta permitted organizers to use the South Lawn for the match scheduled for Sunday, where a special ring has already been erected. UFC fighters compete in a ring or enclosed cage, with victories achieved by knockout, submission, or judges' decision. The rules are strict, including weight classes and prohibitions on eye-gouging, biting, and groin strikes. The lawsuit was filed by lawyers from the non-profit Project on Government Oversight against the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior. They sought, on behalf of an activist and a Vietnam War veteran, to prevent the "UFC Freedom 250" show organized by Trump. The plaintiffs asked the court to stop organizers from building anything on White House grounds, including the 600-ton, 28-meter-high metal structure known as "The Claw." The judge noted that the alleged "aesthetic injuries" are temporary, as "The Claw" will be dismantled on Monday, the day after the match. Stage equipment near the Lincoln Memorial must also be removed beforehand. Mehta concluded that the plaintiffs likely lack a legal basis to challenge the event and failed to prove irreparable harm. He also cited the "unreasonable delay" in filing the lawsuit, as the show was announced months ago. The White House deemed the lawsuit an unfounded attempt to prevent Trump from organizing a show no different from many others held in public spaces in Washington.

“

To what the president dreams of the permanence of 'The Claw' does not change the matter, given the clear position of White House officials that it will be removed.