US President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday on Sunday by hosting a UFC fight card on the White House South Lawn, turning the grounds of the presidential residence into an outdoor arena as thousands gathered to watch cage fights under the banner of “UFC Freedom 250”.Trump, accompanied by UFC president Dana White, emerged from the Oval Office to chants of “USA!” from military personnel, political dignitaries and fight fans attending the event. The show was held to celebrate both Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A long-time UFC supporter with a 25-year relationship with White, Trump received birthday wishes from supporters gathered on the South Lawn, with one fan shouting “happy birthday!” as the crowd cheered.The event came just hours after the United States and Iran announced an agreement to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route. Against that backdrop, the White House opened its grounds for one of the most unusual sporting events ever held at the presidential residence. According to a court filing by the National Park Service, more than $60 million and tens of thousands of labour hours were invested in constructing the temporary arena on the South Lawn. The evening’s first fight featured Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia in a featherweight bout inside the Octagon, which was placed beneath a massive four-sided structure known as the Claw. Rising more than 90 feet into the air, the structure featured giant screens, lighting rigs, speakers and extensive wiring to support the outdoor event. Garcia entered the arena draped in an American flag and accompanied by two police officers, while Lopes walked out to the Mexican song “La Chona”.The event featured extensive patriotic displays. The Marine Band performed in front of the White House, while country singer Zac Brown delivered the national anthem. Fighter introductions were handled by longtime UFC announcer Bruce Buffer, whose outfit featured gold stars and miniature American flags.A flyover involving the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds added to the spectacle.White had earlier said the event would proceed regardless of weather conditions, despite severe thunderstorms and lightning disrupting a promotional event at the Lincoln Memorial on Friday. Forecasts for Sunday evening also indicated the possibility of adverse weather.The outdoor fight card represented the latest chapter in the long-standing relationship between Trump and White. White’s first UFC event as president of the promotion took place at Trump Taj Mahal in 2001. Since returning to office, Trump has attended four UFC events as president and has frequently received fighter-style entrances accompanied by music and patriotic chants.White has also played a prominent role in Trump’s political activities, introducing him at two Republican National Conventions and attending several high-profile White House events.The main card featured seven all-male bouts, including two title fights streamed on Paramount+. Brazilian fighter Alex Pereira was scheduled to face France’s Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title, while lightweight champion Ilia Topuria was set to take on interim champion Justin Gaethje.Additional bouts included former title challengers Michael Chandler and Derrick Lewis, as well as former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was escorted from an event near the Ellipse by police officers and placed into a Park Police van earlier on Sunday. Strickland, who was barefoot and wearing a black anorak jacket, has recently claimed on social media that he was excluded from White House UFC activities because of his criticism of Israel.The reason for the police action was not immediately known.White dismissed suggestions that Strickland had been barred from participating in UFC Freedom 250 activities.“Nobody is banned. Nothing is banned,” White told reporters earlier this month.
