US President Donald Trump will celebrate his 80th birthday with an unprecedented cage-fighting show on the historic South Lawn of the White House on Sunday night.
The event, expected to cost more than $60 million (€52 million), will feature seven mixed martial arts fights inside a specially built arena called “The Claw”.
About 4,000 spectators are scheduled to join Trump to watch the stars of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) league kick, punch and wrestle to victory inside a wire-mesh octagon cage.
Thousands more are expected to watch the fight on a big screen from nearby Ellipse Park.
The event, titled “UFC Freedom 250”, has been linked to this year’s major celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
What was the reaction to Trump’s birthday celebration?
Critics have derided the ostentation as inappropriate at a time when the war with Iran, now in its fourth month, has raised the cost of living for ordinary people.
The incident comes as Trump is seeking a deal with Tehran to end the war, saying he expected to sign the deal on Sunday, although Iran has questioned that timing.
Opponents also launched a legal challenge to stop the fight, arguing that Trump had exceeded his authority by allowing his longtime friend UFC president Dana White to use the White House grounds to promote a private, profit-making sporting event. However, a judge rejected the bid.
The press has stated that the UFC is covering the costs of the entire event and the UFC has stated that it will not make a profit.
what to expect on sunday night
The fight will start at 8pm local time (Monday 0000 GMT) and continue until midnight.
The main event pits Brazil’s Alex Pereira against France’s Cyril Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilya Topuria will then face former interim title holder Justin Gaethje.
In a dramatic development, some of the top fighters taking part on Sunday are reportedly set to leave the Oval Office via the Rose Garden or the West Wing Colonnade before heading to the arena.
It will also feature military bands, a US military flyover and parachute display and a 10-minute fireworks finale.
The night’s event also prompted France to delay the Group of Seven summit, scheduled to begin on Monday, to allow Trump to attend the cage fight.
Edited by: Jennifer Cimino Gonzalez
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