Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump hosted seven Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts on the White House lawn on Sunday, marking the first professional sporting event held at the presidential residence. The event formed part of the administration’s celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary and took place on Trump’s 80th birthday.
Historic event at the White House
The unprecedented spectacle underscored Trump’s willingness to blend the pageantry of his office with his political style and his family’s business interests. The UFC event was a centerpiece of what the president has called his summer of sport.
Iran agreement announced on the same day
The fights began hours after Trump and Iranian officials announced a peace agreement to end the four-month-old war between their countries. The conflict had pushed consumer prices to a three-year high and unsettled voters.
Within minutes of taking his ringside seat, as the Marine Corps band performed AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” Trump was posting details about the Iran agreement on social media and speaking by phone with journalists.
Sponsors and fighter interactions
Inside the eight-sided, chain-link cage, sponsorships from major U.S. corporations and several of Trump’s political allies, including video-streaming platform Rumble RUM.O, shipping tech firm EasyPost and conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA, were displayed on the canvas.
Several winning fighters greeted Trump after their bouts. American fighter Bo Nickal climbed over the cage fence after his knockout victory to shake Trump’s hand. Heavyweight Josh Hokit, another winner, gave Trump an item that the president placed around his neck before Hokit delivered an expletive-filled speech praising Trump and ending with a misogynistic remark about former first lady Michelle Obama.
Dana White rejects political framing
After the event, UFC chief executive Dana White said the event should not be viewed through a political lens.
“On America’s 250th birthday, hopefully tonight created some unity,” said White, a longtime friend of the president. “Like even for the people that thought this was going to be some big political statement or something. This wasn’t. This was Americans, all Americans, celebrating the birthday.”
Main event and venue plans
In the main event, Justin Gaethje, a heavy underdog, defeated Ilia Topuria to win the lightweight championship.
Before the event, Trump praised the temporary venue, nicknamed “The Claw” because its supports rose higher than the White House roof, and suggested it could remain in place permanently. Early on Monday, White told Reuters that UFC would dismantle the venue quickly.
