Trump compares UFC White House structure to Eiffel Tower, may keep it
11 reported
President Donald Trump has compared the UFC structure being built at the White House to the Eiffel Tower and said he may never take it down, according to a BBC News report. The UFC is set to host an unprecedented show on the South Lawn on June 14 to mark 250 years of American independence. Construction has started with workers assembling domed arches over a staging area that will become the octagon. Trump said on TikTok that the Eiffel Tower was originally supposed to be taken down after the World’s Fair but was kept, and he suggested the same could happen with the UFC arena. The event, called UFC Freedom 250, is headlined by a unification bout between lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim title holder Justin Gaethje. UFC president Dana White said 4,300 people will watch on the South Lawn, mostly military members, while 85,000 free tickets will be available to the public at nearby Ellipse Park. The White House has hosted recreational sports before, but this will be the first professional live sporting event on the grounds.
What’s reported
President Trump compared the UFC structure to the Eiffel Tower and said he may never take it down.
The UFC will host a show on the South Lawn on June 14 to mark 250 years of American independence.
Construction has started with domed arches over a staging area for the octagon.
Trump referenced the Eiffel Tower’s history of being kept after its planned removal.
The event is called UFC Freedom 250, with the UFC spending about $60 million.
Headliner: Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the lightweight unification title.
Co-main event: Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
Dana White said 4,300 people will watch on the South Lawn, mostly military; 85,000 free tickets at Ellipse Park.
No tickets will be on general sale.
This will be the first professional live sporting event on White House grounds.
The Trump administration has added gold details to the Oval Office, paved over the rose garden, refurbished the Lincoln bedroom bathroom, and demolished the East Wing for a new ballroom.
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Ilia Topuria (Georgian-Spanish lightweight champion)
Justin Gaethje (American interim lightweight title holder)
Alex Pereira (Brazilian fighter)
Ciryl Gane (French fighter)
Dana White (UFC president)
Sources: BBC News
