Trump celebrates 80th birthday with Octagon and UFC fights at the White House

Provisional arena erected in the gardens of the White House for a UFC event that coincides with Trump's birthday
Alex Brandon/AP Photo
A huge arena, violent fights and millions of dollars: US President Donald Trump is organizing this Sunday (14) a series of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fights in the gardens of the White House on his 80th birthday.
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A temporary octagon (typical ring of the sport) nicknamed "The Claw" was built in the gardens of the Executive headquarters especially for the event, in which 14 UFC competitors will participate, including a Brazilian (read more below).
Officially, the Trump administration treats the event as part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence, celebrated on July 4.
Critics, however, have questioned the unprecedented 60 million dollar ($308 million) event, called "UFC Freedom 250", as insensitive at a time when the president's war in Iran has caused the cost of living to soar for the average American.
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Trump says it's a great way to celebrate 250 years of United States Independence - not to mention his own birthday - and guarantees that the UFC is assuming all the costs.
But the president doesn't hide his fascination with fighting in the octagon: "They're the most thick-skinned people you'll ever meet," Trump told the New York Post on Thursday (11).
The official announcement of the event was made by Trump on May 6, in the Oval Office. One of those present was the Brazilian fighter Alex Pereira, known as Poatan, who was together with other athletes.
The Republican took the opportunity to praise Poatan: "I saw him knock out a lot of people. That's what he does, he knocks people out. He has a big, powerful hand."
Trump shakes Alex Pereira's hand during a meeting in the Oval Office
Reuters
Ties with sport
The tycoon has close ties with UFC leaders. He has attended several fights, captivating his fan base, young men who were also crucial to his political rise.
Additionally, Trump is a personal friend of UFC president Dana White. The connection between the two began in the 2000s, when the Trump Taj Mahal, a casino in Atlantic City, was one of the first venues in the United States to host UFC events.
Since returning to the presidency, Trump has frequently attended UFC fights.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the event by signing a White cooperation agreement on Thursday to promote mixed martial arts (MMA) worldwide.
"That's what Sunday is all about, it's a gift to the American people," Rubio said, adding that the event would be watched by "probably a billion people around the world."
Dana White, president of the UFC, at Donald Trump's campaign event, in November 2024
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
It will undoubtedly be different from any other event in the 200-year history of the White House. Around 4,000 people will watch the fight in the arena.
Dana White stated that more than half of these tickets will go to members of the United States Armed Forces. Another 125,000 people are expected to watch the fight on a big screen outside the White House.
Trump praises Brazilian UFC fighter at the White House: 'Big hand'
Inappropriate use of public space
During a preview on Thursday, journalists were able to visit the arena, which weighs 600 tons, is 47 meters wide and 28 meters high. It's taller than the White House itself.
The octagon was set up on the same historic lawn where President Bill Clinton hosted the signing of the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993 and where Richard Nixon gave his farewell speech upon resigning.
Not everyone is so enthusiastic. Before the event, the Trump administration faced legal action to prevent it from taking place, claiming it would constitute improper use of public spaces to enrich the president's allies.
The White House rejected the accusations in a document presented to the Court. He also dismissed a suggestion - made by the president himself - that the arena could be maintained after the event, in the same way the Eiffel Tower in Paris was maintained after the 1889 Universal Exposition.
"'The Claw' will be dismantled immediately following the conclusion of the event," said Joshua Fisher, director of White House Management and Administration, in the documents presented.
Many fans also criticized the event as being considered disappointing, with only two title fights.
Poatan will face Frenchman Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Next, Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria faces interim champion Justin Gaethje, one of only two Americans who currently hold at least a share of the belts at UFC 11.
White House Redesigns
Other efforts by the president to leave his mark on the White House include demolishing part of the Rose Garden to make way for a ballroom reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida; the fixing of party plaques on the wall of the settlement for a Presidential Walk of Fame; the renovation of the bathroom attached to the Lincoln Room and the renovation of the Salão das Palmeiras; the installation of new flagpoles on the north and south lawns; and the demolition of the entire East Wing to build a large ballroom.
The president also wants to repaint the Eisenhower Executive Building, next to the White House, and build a 250-foot arch at the Lincoln Memorial.

Source: G1