The historic event is happening on June 14 to mark Flag Day and Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
Internet Melts Down Over UFC Cage Installation for Trump’s 80th Birthday: 'Turned White House Into Circus...'
Work has officially started on the South Lawn of the White House to build a temporary Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) arena. This historic setup is for an upcoming event called "UFC Freedom 250." The event will take place on June 14 to mark America's 250th anniversary and also coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
According to Reuters, cranes and heavy equipment are already on the grass to set up the famous octagon-shaped cage. Online design previews have shown what the final area will look like. The wire-mesh cage will sit on a red, white, and blue stage. A massive arch with star and stripe patterns will tower over it.
This setup will also include two giant screens to show the fights live. Thousands of temporary seats will surround the stage. There will even be a ringside space saved for a full marching band to play loud music during the event.
Massive cranes have taken over the White House lawn to build a professional fight arena.
In the past, the 79-year-old talked about how big this project would be. He stated that the finished venue would feature “a 5,000-seat arena right outside the front door of the White House.”
Trump Installs Giant Stage Lights
As per Mandatory, Trump has also installed giant stage lights at the presidential home for the big birthday and anniversary event. Large metal arches are being raised to hold these heavy lights, transforming the lawn into a professional sports stadium.
UFC CEO Dana White shared excitement about the unique venue. He confirmed that the historic event is fully moving forward. "It's an honor," Dana White said, calling the White House fight a "one-of-one experience."
He said, "We're celebrating America's 250th birthday on the lawn of the White House. And, you know, there possibly couldn't be a greater honor than that, especially for me as an American".
The event will be the first professional sporting event ever held at the presidential residence. To handle the huge demand for tickets, the UFC plans to set up extra-large screens at the nearby Ellipse Park. This will allow up to 85,000 people to watch the fights for free.
Social Media Users Weigh In On UFC Octagon Construction
After the news of the building of the octagon at the White House went viral, many users on X shared their take. One said, "That’s our property. The voters didn’t approve of this." Another stressed, "This is a national disgrace. Praying for rain. Heavy rain."
One user pointed out, "What a waste of Americans time and money we have a war going on has $8 in some states for a gallon!" The hate didn't stop there. Reacting, one user said, "Trump has literally turned the White House into a circus!"
An X user reacts to cage-fighting event at tthe White House.
Pointing out Barack Obama, one user wrote, "Trump has literally turned the White House into a circus! So nobody says a word when Obama has rap artists perform at the White House, but suddenly it's meltdown central when Trump has a UFC fight???
Reacting, a few more users stated, "Nobody actually cares. Bring home our troops and stop embarrassing the office.”