US court allows combat sports event on Trump's birthday near White House

A U.S. court has cleared the way for a controversial combat sports event to take place outside the White House, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The court dismissed a legal challenge against the event, stating that the objections were filed too late and that the plaintiffs had not sufficiently proven they would suffer permanent harm.

The 80th birthday celebration is scheduled for Sunday, with mixed martial arts (MMA) fights planned directly in front of the White House. An octagonal cage, typical for UFC events, has already been erected at the site, surrounded by spectator stands and covered by a large dome.

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the objections of the opponents of the event were submitted too late.

Officially, the event is being presented as part of the festivities for the 250th anniversary of American independence. However, the actual Independence Day falls on July 4th. The professional fighting league Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is organizing the mixed martial arts competition, which combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, karate, and jiu-jitsu, and is known for often resulting in bloody injuries.

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the plaintiffs had not sufficiently demonstrated that they would suffer permanent harm from the event.