UFC Stadium Built at White House for Trump's 80th Birthday Fights

A large-scale UFC fighting stadium is being constructed on the White House's South Lawn for a special event on June 14. The "UFC Freedom 250" will celebrate U.S. President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Construction began on May 26 (local time) for the stadium, which will feature a stage decorated in American flag colors and an arched structure. It will include seating for 4,500 spectators, with plans to install screens outside the grounds for up to 100,000 additional viewers to watch the fights for free.

President Trump, a self-proclaimed "die-hard fan" of UFC, invited fighters to the Oval Office to promote the event, stating, "This has never happened before, and it will never happen again." UFC announced the event will include six matches, featuring a lightweight championship bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.

However, the event faces criticism. Some question the significant expenditure on such a "Trump-style show" amid rising prices due to the Iran conflict. The White House insists UFC will bear all costs, estimated to be at least $60 million (approximately 90 billion won), with hopes of recovering half through corporate sponsorships. Concerns are also raised about using the South Lawn, a historically symbolic location for presidential ceremonies and state visits.