politics
UFC Octagon Construction Begins on White House South Lawn
Crews started building an octagon cage on the White House South Lawn for a June 14 UFC event. The card marks the nation’s 250th anniversary and coincides with President Trump’s birthday.
May 26, 7:20 PM·1m read3 sources
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Construction of a UFC octagon began on the White House South Lawn on May 26. The temporary structure will host a mixed-martial-arts card on June 14 that includes a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. The event, called UFC Freedom Fights 250, will also feature an interim heavyweight title bout between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
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Organizers plan to issue up to 85,000 free tickets for spectators on the South Lawn and at the nearby Ellipse.
Renderings released by UFC show a red, white and blue stage surrounding the cage, two large video screens, and temporary seating for several thousand spectators. A marching band is scheduled to perform between bouts. The card will take place on Flag Day and President Trump’s 80th birthday.
Weigh-ins are planned at the Lincoln Memorial. The UFC bout is one of several projects the White House has undertaken to mark the semiquincentennial. ” Online reaction has been mixed, with some fans describing the card as underwhelming because it includes only two championship bouts.
The octagon and stage are expected to be removed after the event.
