President Trump and the UFC are going to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with cage matches on the White House’s South Lawn, UFC CEO Dana White reaffirmed Tuesday.
Mr. Trump last month announced the mixed martial arts event for next year’s July Fourth celebrations. Mr. White confirmed the plans after unveiling a seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting deal with Paramount this week.
The longtime face of UFC said he’ll visit Washington before the end of the month to discuss specifics with Mr. Trump and his daughter Ivanka.
“It’s absolutely going to happen,” Mr. White told The Associated Press. “Think about that: The 250th birthday of the United States of America, the UFC will be on the White House South Lawn live on CBS.”
It’s too early to set a card for the event, Mr. White said, but his anticipation is building.
“This is a one-of-one event,” he said.
When Mr. Trump floated the UFC idea, he said, “Think of this on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there.”
The president, a pal of Mr. White, said his plan would include a “full” card with more than 20,000 spectators in attendance.
Mr. Trump has attended several UFC events in recent years. In April, he became the first sitting president to take in a mixed martial arts card at UFC 314 in Miami, where he received a wild welcome from the packed crowd as he walked to his seat with other celebrities.
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
