President Trump hosts UFC Freedom 250 event on White House lawn for 80th birthday
Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday with a UFC fight night on the White House South Lawn, featuring seven male bouts and a patriotic ceremony attended by thousands of spectators.
President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday with a UFC "Freedom 250" fight night held on the White House South Lawn. The outdoor event featured seven male bouts, including a heavyweight interim title fight between Brazil's Alex Pereira and France's Ciryl Gane, and a lightweight bout between Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Trump and UFC chief Dana White walked from the Oval Office to the balcony before the fights began, while the Marine Band performed and the Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds conducted a flyover. Ring announcer Bruce Buffer wore a suit with patriotic detailing, and the usual ring-girl attire was replaced with more modest, flag-themed outfits.
More than 4,000 spectators watched the fights from the lawn and nearby Ellipse, where additional large screens broadcast the action. Among the attendees were technology entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg and film producer David Ellison.
Three-time NCAA wrestling champion Bo Nickal, who earned a TKO victory, thanked Trump, saying, "> First and foremost, I have to thank President Trump for making this happen. This is unbelievable."
The event required extensive construction; a National Park Service filing estimated over $60 million and tens of thousands of labor hours to build the temporary arena. The night concluded without weather interruptions.
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was removed from the Ellipse area by police after his presence was reported to cause a disturbance, though no citation was issued.
The fight night coincided with a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran to end hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz.
