WATCH LIVE: UFC Freedom 250 holds news conference ahead of White House fight on Trump's birthday

A unique spectacle is unfolding on the White House South Lawn as UFC Freedom 250 prepares to host a news conference at the Lincoln Memorial before a series of fights scheduled for President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The event marks a significant intersection of sports, politics, and national celebration.

Central to the event is a specially constructed, eight-sided arena, dubbed the "Octagon," measuring 30 feet in diameter. Its design, reminiscent of a tilted STOP sign, is fitted with sponsor logos and topped by "The Claw," an elaborate overhead structure featuring lights, speakers, and large screens. This temporary arena, capable of seating over 4,000 people, transforms the iconic South Lawn, typically used for presidential departures and the Easter Egg Roll, into a fighting venue.

The construction of this elaborate setup represents a substantial investment, with court filings indicating over $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of labor. While the White House states UFC is covering the costs, seven federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration, have reportedly allocated significant resources and manpower to facilitate the event.

The fight card, featuring seven UFC bouts, is timed to coincide with both President Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Fighters and their entourages will have access to the arena via curtained walkways, enjoying views of the White House and the Washington Monument, as spotlights illuminate the scene.