White House to Host Controversial UFC 250 Event as Octagon Set Up on South Lawn

The White House has transformed its South Lawn into a makeshift UFC arena for Sunday's Freedom UFC 250 event, which marks the first time a professional sporting event will be held at the presidential residence. The event celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.

In the main event, undefeated UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who has Spanish and Georgian heritage, will take on interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. UFC legend Alex Pereira will attempt to claim a title in a third weight division when he faces Ciryl Gane for interim heavyweight gold.

UFC President Dana White announced that around 4,300 free tickets are available for seating around the Octagon, most reserved for military personnel. Eight large screens will also show the fights from the nearby Ellipse park, where approximately 85,000 people can watch.

The buildup has been clouded by controversy over the event's cost, estimated at around $60 million, though White House officials stress that the UFC is funding the entire show. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the event on social media, sharing a photo of the Octagon and questioning Trump's focus on lowering costs.

The FBI has declared Washington, D.C., a "no drone zone" for Sunday as part of increased security. White said only lightning would prevent the fights from going ahead, noting that start times could be adjusted if needed.

Other fights on the card include Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis, Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia.

Prize money includes $400,000 each for Fight of the Night winners and $425,000 each for Performance of the Night winners. Broadcast details vary by region, with TNT Sports airing in the UK and Ireland, DAZN in Germany and Switzerland, and other platforms elsewhere.