White House to Host Seven-Fight MMA Exhibition on South Lawn
President Trump will mark his 80th birthday and the American Semiquincentennial with a professional mixed-martial-arts card on the White House grounds. The seven-fight exhibition, titled Freedom 250, is the first UFC event of its scale held at the presidential residence.
New York PostThe card, branded Freedom 250, is the first time the White House has hosted a UFC event of this size. Approximately 4,000 spectators are expected, a smaller audience than the fighters usually draw in large indoor arenas.
Most athletes said they had not competed outdoors in years. Heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane said the change in setting would not affect his performance. Former women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey criticized the lineup. Current middleweight champion Sean Strickland said he was not upset about not being cleared to attend and added that he would expect to be banned from the White House.
Presidential historian Tevi Troy said athletic events have occurred at the White House before, but this combination of athletic and celebrity elements is new. Past presidents have hosted smaller athletic activities on White House grounds, none reaching the size of the planned UFC card.
