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President Donald Trump's planned UFC fight on the White House's South Lawn has required a monumental effort from more than seven federal agenc…
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UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit is embracing his bold style ahead of the company's debut at the White House. He is scheduled to fight Sunday on the South Lawn in a mixed martial arts show celebrating President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary. UFC CEO Dana White insists the event will proceed despite potential bad weather. The fight card features two championship bouts, including Alex Pereira versus Ciryl Gane and Ilia Topuria against Justin Gaethje.
AP
UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit speaks to reporters during the UFC Freedom 250 media day, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira from Brazil, holds his championship belts during the UFC Freedom 250 media day, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
AP
UFC is set to hold its first event on the White House South Lawn with a mixed martial arts show timed for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthd…
AP
UFC heavyweight fighter Cyril Gane of Franceshows a patch on the sleeve of his jacket during the UFC Freedom 250 media day, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit speaks to reporters during the UFC Freedom 250 media day, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
AP
The White House's South Lawn has hosted many sports over the decades but never a UFC fight like the one President Donald Trump is organizing for his 80th birthday. The lawn is known for low-contact sports like T-ball and putting and joyful events geared toward children or bipartisanship. Now the lawn features an octagon cage and arena seating for upward of 5,000 people. This marks a shift from past presidential sports traditions. Teddy Roosevelt introduced sports to the White House with a tennis court in the early 1900s. Other presidents added their own sports facilities. Trump's love for UFC reflects his cage match approach to politics and his connection with UFC chief Dana White.
AP
A federal lawsuit seeks to halt the upcoming UFC fight card on the White House South Lawn in a mixed martial arts show timed for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and part of the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The filing Saturday by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of two Virginia resident contends the Trump administration’s authorization of the June 14 event violated National Park Service regulations prohibiting sporting events on federal parklands. It also says Congress didn't consent to the towering arch overlooking the event space and no environmental review was conducted before the construction. The White House says the lawsuit is “baseless.”
AP
Construction continues on the arena on the South Lawn of the White House for a future UFC mixed martial arts fight, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
