Credited from: TRTGLOBAL
President Donald Trump has proposed hosting a full-scale Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on the White House grounds next year, as part of the celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. During a speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trump mentioned that the event could attract up to 25,000 spectators, affirming, "We have a lot of land there," and that it would be a full championship fight, organized by UFC CEO Dana White, a close ally of the president, according to CBS News and TRT Global.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed Trump's seriousness about the proposal, stating it would be one of the significant events under the America250 initiative. Trump elaborated that "every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America250," highlighting the extensive celebrations planned, as covered by BBC and NPR.
The announcement of the UFC fight aligns with broader activities for America's 250th birthday, including the proposed "Great American State Fair" and celebrations to connect communities nationwide. Trump's long-standing enthusiasm for UFC, which dates back to hosting a match at his Trump Taj Mahal casino in 2001, adds a personal dimension to this historic event, according to India Times and Newsweek.
As the planning unfolds, specific details regarding logistics and permits remain a topic of discussion, yet the prospect of a UFC bout at the White House stands as a unique milestone in American sports history. Leavitt expressed excitement, stating on social media, "It's going to be EPIC!" which reflects the anticipation surrounding this unprecedented event, according to ABC News and AA.