US President Donald Trump is set to celebrate his 80th birthday on Sunday with a highly unusual and controversial mixed martial arts spectacle dubbed “UFC Freedom 250”, to be staged on the White House lawn.
The event, organised in partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, will reportedly feature 14 fighters competing in an eight-sided cage arena known as “The Claw”. The setup is expected to cost about $60 million and forms part of broader 250th anniversary independence celebrations in the United States.
According to reports, the event will take place at the White House and is expected to include large spectator seating, military displays, flyovers, parachute performances, and fireworks.
Critics have described the plan as inappropriate, particularly given ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran and rising economic pressure on citizens. However, organisers say the event is intended as a major national celebration showcasing American sports and entertainment culture.
Some fighters involved reportedly see it as a historic opportunity, with UFC athletes calling it one of the biggest combat sports events ever staged.
The White House has stated that the UFC is funding the event independently, while UFC officials insist the spectacle is purely celebratory and not political.
Despite controversy, preparations are already underway in Washington, with promotional activities and public displays taking place around key landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.