For the first time in UFC history, President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday with an invite-only Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fight.
Named “UFC Freedom 250,” the event was part of the festivities of the 250th anniversary of American independence and included 14 fighters in a massive “Octagon cage” called “The Claw.”
Because of its unique location and occasion, the event garnered considerable attention, estimated to cost $60 million.
Supporters saw it as a special patriotic event, though opponents said it was like having a violent sporting event at the White House, especially as economic woes weighed heavily on Americans.
But Trump, who has been a longtime supporter of the UFC and who has close ties with the sport, called the event a historic moment.
Earlier this year, during an interview, he said that it was a show people would enjoy and remember.
The White House said that the event’s budget was paid for by the UFC, and UFC executives emphasised that politics played no role in the event, noting it was about honouring the nation and its top performers.
The show mustered up some additional drama as some of the fighters were said to be scheduled to walk through the Oval Office en route to the arena.
Military bands, fireworks show, historical presentations related to the Nation’s 250th anniversary and aerial demonstrations were also part of the program.
Thousands attended the event, making it a major crowd. At the same time it was a huge event in Washington, with large screens set up around the National Mall.
It also shone a spotlight on Trump’s penchant for showmanship and grand gestures, traits that have been a hallmark of his political career.
He celebrated his birthday last year with a huge military parade in the capital and this year’s UFC event was no exception.
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