Trump builds UFC octagon on White House lawn for 80th birthday bash

A mixed martial arts octagon is being constructed on the White House South Lawn as part of a special Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event celebrating President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The structure, a regulation UFC octagon cage, is currently under construction on the lawn directly in front of the Oval Office.

The event, dubbed 'UFC Freedom 250,' is scheduled for June 14, which also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. The stage will be decorated in red, white, and blue, symbolizing the American flag. Thousands of seats will surround the octagon, with a dedicated space for a band to play fighters' entrance music. UFC plans to install large screens in the Ellipse park adjacent to the White House South Lawn for live broadcasting.

President Trump expressed his anticipation, stating, "I've never seen people want tickets so badly," and calling the White House event "going to be a tremendous thing." UFC's parent company estimates the event will cost at least $60 million. The White House has assured that UFC is covering all expenses, with no government funds being used. The temporary arena will be dismantled immediately after the competition concludes.

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I've never seen people want tickets so badly. It's going to be a tremendous thing.

Trump, a long-time fan of mixed martial arts since the early 2000s, has frequently attended UFC events and maintained a close relationship with UFC President Dana White. His involvement in this event is seen by some as a move to solidify his political base, appealing to his core demographic of men and younger voters who often follow the sport. However, some critics have questioned the appropriateness of hosting such an event amidst ongoing international conflicts, with UFC commentator Joe Rogan calling it "weird" in the current climate.

In response to such criticisms, Dana White defended the event, telling Time magazine that "if you want to see it as political, you can see anything as political." He emphasized that he, not the White House or politicians, is bearing the significant cost of celebrating America's 250th birthday with the world.

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If you want to see it as political, you can see anything as political. ... The enormous amount of money that's being spent to celebrate the 250th birthday of America with the entire world, that's me.