What to know about ‘UFC 250’ at the White House

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is bringing its high-octane show to Washington, D.C., next month, staging a prime-time fight at the White House as part of the country’s “America 250” celebrations and commemorating President Trump’s 80th birthday.

Preparations have been underway for weeks ahead of the widely buzzed-about combat sports spectacle, which the president is expected to attend. It will combine politics and sports in a way rarely seen, beginning with the massive set constructed on the South Lawn. 

Here’s what to know about “UFC 250” on June 14:

Trump’s ties to UFC run deep

The president has long been a fan of combat sports and was known for hosting top boxing matches and prize fights at his casinos and resorts in the years before he ran for office.  

Trump has appeared at several top UFC fights during both his terms and forged a close friendship with UFC chief executive Dana White in the process.

Steven Cheung, one of the president’s closest communications advisers, has worked for UFC and the president’s daughter Ivanka was instrumental in securing the “UFC 250” event.

The June 14 fight was initially Trump’s idea, White has said in a number of interviews. The administration is hoping the spectacle will inspire patriotism among Americans at a time many are feeling uncertain about the economy, foreign conflicts overseas and other issues.

Yet White, who stumped for Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, insists “UFC 250” will not be an inherently political event.

“You can make anything political if you want to,” he said as part of a wide-ranging interview with Time published this week. “I love this country like anybody on the left loves this country. I love this country like anybody on the right loves this country.”

White says he is confident the fight night will “positively deliver” for both the........

© The Hill