Donald Trump is turning the White House into a UFC battleground, claiming a staggering 100,000 fans will flood the grounds for UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
This seven-fight extravaganza, dubbed “Super Bowl status” for security, coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The main event features a showdown between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, while Alex Pereira is set to make waves by moving up to heavyweight for a title shot in the co-main event.
“They have some of the greatest champions in the world,” Trump boasted to reporters. “A temporary arena with 5,000 seats is going up on the South Lawn. Plus, we’ll have an overflow area at the Ellipse for 100,000 spectators.”
UFC CEO Dana White echoed Trump’s enthusiasm during an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ stating, “At the Ellipse, we’re expecting 50 to 100,000 people. They’re building tremendous stages and we’ll have massive screens for the fight.”
Fans got a sneak peek of the venue as a colossal structure was erected in Lititz, Pennsylvania. The Lititz Record Express showcased this towering framework, measuring 90 feet tall and covering an area of 120 feet by 120 feet. Local officials confirmed that it was built for testing before being transported to D.C.
“I think they dissembled it and put it in 18-wheelers to get it ready for Washington,” said Jeremy Strathmeyer from the Lititz Warwick Township Board of Supervisors. “That was the plan.”
Trump is no stranger to UFC events, having recently made headlines at UFC 327 in Miami, where he received mixed reactions from fans. His attendance record includes UFC 316 in Newark, UFC 314 in Miami with his granddaughter Kai, and several other events across major cities.
As excitement builds for UFC Freedom 250, will Trump’s ambitious claims hold up? Only time will tell if this spectacle will draw the crowds he envisions.
