President Donald Trump has announced that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will stage an event on his birthday this weekend at the White House. The event is likely a personal gift from Trump himself, as he suggested it.
The UFC is footing the bill for approximately $60 million to stage the event, but they have also offered sponsor packages worth up to $1 million that include ringside seats. Political consulting firms in Washington are advising clients to buy these packages given the limited avenues for executives and companies to get close to Trump.
While the White House is yet to confirm which celebrities will attend due to pending invitations, White House aides tell Inner Loop they expect a parade of donors. The most sought-after seats are under the Claw, a 92-foot-tall arch structure that holds lights and sound equipment above the Octagon. UFC president Dana White and Ari Emanuel, chair of the UFC’s parent company, will control about 700 seats between them, while Trump will control around 1,200.
Despite the event's high-profile setting, it won't feature big names like former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones or lightweight champion Conor McGregor. There were talks to book both fighters, but they fell through due to issues related to anti-doping testing eligibility and past controversies involving McGregor.







