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UFC constructs arena on White House South Lawn
Workers have begun assembling a temporary octagon and domed arches on the South Lawn of the White House for a historic mixed martial arts event scheduled on 14 June, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Trump compares structure to Eiffel Tower
President Donald Trump suggested the temporary UFC arena might remain standing indefinitely, drawing a parallel to the Eiffel Tower, which was originally intended to be dismantled after the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. Trump remarked on TikTok, "We're building something in front of the White House that's quite attractive to a lot of people. And I'm looking at it and maybe we'll never, ever take it down."
The Eiffel Tower, constructed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, was nearly removed after 20 years but was ultimately preserved due to its popularity.
Event details and ticket distribution
The UFC is investing approximately $60 million (£44.3 million) in the event, titled UFC Freedom 250. The main card features a lightweight title unification bout between Georgian-Spanish champion Ilia Topuria and American interim title holder Justin Gaethje. The co-main event will see Brazil's Alex Pereira face France's Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
According to UFC president Dana White, 4,300 spectators-primarily members of the military-will attend the event on the South Lawn. An additional 85,000 tickets will be distributed free of charge to the public for viewing at nearby Ellipse Park. No tickets will be sold to the general public.
First professional sports event at White House
While the White House has previously hosted recreational sports and events, this marks the first time a professional live sporting event will take place on its grounds. The occasion reflects a broader trend of renovations under the Trump administration, which has included adding gold details to the Oval Office, paving over the Rose Garden for a patio, refurbishing the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom, and demolishing the East Wing to construct a new ballroom.
Reactions and broader context
MMA athletes and fans have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement, with some praising the historic nature of the event and others questioning the use of the White House for such a purpose. The event underscores the UFC's expanding influence and the administration's efforts to reshape the iconic residence.
