• President Trump is hosting UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn.
• The event commemorates America's 250th anniversary and Trump's 80th birthday.
• The temporary arena can accommodate 5,000 attendees and has 85,000 free tickets available.
• UFC's parent company states the event will cost at least $60 million.
• Critics have labeled the fight card as underwhelming.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host a major event titled UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Crews are constructing an octagon-shaped cage and seating for approximately 5,000 fans, with plans for additional screens to accommodate up to 85,000 spectators at nearby locations, according to SCMP, Al Jazeera, and Channel News Asia.

Trump described the event as "never going to happen again", aimed at celebrating the nation's semiquincentennial, which is also marked by other festivities, including an IndyCar race and a fair on the National Mall. The UFC's parent company estimates the event's cost at over $60 million but states that the UFC will cover it entirely, with no taxpayer money involved, as reported by SCMP and Channel News Asia.

The fight card features two championship bouts: Brazil's Alex Pereira versus France's Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title and a clash between Spanish-Georgian champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje. The lineup has met with criticism, being described as underwhelming, reports Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.

This construction at the White House is one of several recent projects initiated by Trump, including renovations that have altered historical spaces like the Rose Garden. Notably, this unique event illustrates Trump's ongoing trend of transforming the White House to align with his personal image and interests, according to SCMP, Al Jazeera, and Channel News Asia.