Overview
- President Trump hosted UFC stars in the Oval Office and showed renderings of a temporary arena on the South Lawn for the June 14 event.
- The planned card features two title fights, with Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje at lightweight and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane at heavyweight.
- Organizers plan about 4,000 seats around a temporary Octagon on the lawn, with eight big screens on the nearby Ellipse for a free public viewing of 75,000 to 100,000 people.
- UFC president Dana White says the promotion will cover the costs, estimated up to $60 million, including replacing the lawn for roughly $700,000.
- Critics question using the presidential residence for a mass entertainment spectacle, even as backers note it would be the first pro sporting event ever held on the grounds.