Thousands of MMA fans and a sizable group of demonstrators gathered in Washington, DC, ahead of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, where protesters directed their anger at President Donald Trump.
The unprecedented event is scheduled for Sunday night on the South Lawn as Trump marks his 80th birthday with another high-profile appearance alongside close ally and UFC president Dana White. At the same time, protesters assembled outside the White House to criticize the president over immigration policies, corruption allegations, and the conflict with Iran, which Trump again said on Sunday he had brought to an end.
“Congratulations to all!” Trump posted on social media, offering no further details about any agreement involving the Strait of Hormuz. He added: “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
As part of celebrations tied to both Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary, the UFC says it has spent $60 million on the weekend’s events, which the president promoted as “the greatest show on earth.”
Fight fans and self-described patriots streamed onto the Ellipse for the UFC fan festival, eager to secure a spot hours before competitors were due to enter the Octagon set up on the South Lawn.
Trump is expected to be the central figure of the evening, making a dramatic walkout from the White House flanked by cabinet members, senior administration officials, Republican lawmakers, and an audience of more than 4,000 roaring spectators.
Fans line up as the gates open for the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest at The Ellipse on June 14,
Fans in red MAGA hats can be seen on The Ellipse for the free UFC Freedom 250 watch party
The view from under ‘The Claw,’ a spaceship-like metal arch fitted with UFC equipment
People take part in a protest organized by Refuse Fascism against the Trump administration ahead of the UFC Freedom 250 event. Citizens called for Trump’s removal from office
An AI-generated image of Donald Trump kissing Russian President Vladimir Putin is raised
There is a heavy police presence at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington DC
And all of this will take place in a temporary, newly constructed arena under ‘The Claw,’ a spaceship-like metal arch fitted with lighting, sound equipment and large screens.
As for the thousands waiting in line hours before the opening fight, they were will be watching on big screens from the nearby Ellipse.
‘This event is a one of one event, incredible event. I love it,’ White, a close friend of the President, during a Friday night hype session at the Lincoln Memorial.
The weather for Sunday’s event remains a potential threat, not that the White House wants to hear it.
According to The Weather Channel, there is a 60-percent chance of thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy downpours and wind gusts of up to 34 mph. The network shared the news in a post with a graphic reading: ‘Rain, 30mph winds and mosquitos on the White House lawn.’
White House spokespeople responded under their @RapidResponse47 handle on X.
‘This event is about celebrating America’s unmatched greatness after 250 years — which apparently doesn’t sit well with the friendless loser who wrote this bulls*** clickbait headline.
‘Rain or shine, we’re celebrating our great country no matter what. GOD BLESS AMERICA!’
For his part, White has shared the same belief that Sunday’s show will proceed regardless of the weather in Washington.
The weather for Sunday’s event remains a potential threat, not that the White House cares
Donald Trump is seen in attendance alongside UFC Dana White during the UFC 327 event
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki arrives at the White House ahead of the UFC Freedom 250
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy arrives at the White House for UFC Freedom 250
A fan in attendance during the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest at The Ellipse on Sunday night
This is the planned setup for Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 on the White House’s South Lawn
A fan poses for a picture in an octagon set up during the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest
Cranes are seen near the White House ahead of UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday
House speaker and Trump ally Mike Johnson has arrived at UFC Freedom 250
There will be two title fights taking place on Paramount’s premium streaming service, Paramount+: Brazil’s Alex Pereira against France’s Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title and Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria against interim champ, American Justin Gaethje.
The night’s other bouts include recent challengers Michael Chandler, Derrick Lewis and former 135-pound champion Sean O’Malley.
The bout represents another in the long history between White and Trump, who began hosting the MMA promotion’s events at the since-shuttered Trump Taj Mahal back in 2001.
Since then, White has introduced Trump at three separate Republican National Conventions and was even present at the recent White House Correspondents’ Association dinner that was interrupted by an attempted assassin.
A satellite image shows the White House and The Ellipse after the construction of the setup
Many UFC fighters have professed their love and admiration for Trump, including Jon Jones, Colby Covington, Conor McGregor and Gaethje. UFC undisputed middleweight champion Sean Strickland was a major MAGA supporter, but now claims he was banned from Sunday’s event over his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as Trump’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
‘UFC at the White House with [Netanyahu] in the audience. Straight slop,’ Strickland wrote on Instagram earlier this month.
‘To be fair, they did ban me,’ Strickland continued. ‘But when you make fun of the leaders of America, they tend to be a little bit petty. By leaders, I mean Israel.’
Strickland wasn’t finished. Asked directly why he wouldn’t be in attendance at UFC Freedom 250, Strickland put a finer point on it: ‘I made fun of Israel and Epstein.’
He then added: ‘The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by [Netanyahu]. That’s not public opinion, it’s fact.’
Later, in a video posted on X, Strickland claimed UFC staff called him to say the White House did not clear his attendance at UFC Freedom 250.
