In the United States, the White House is being renovated to host a UFC event on 14 June, a date that also marks Donald Trump's 80th birthday. According to La Sexta Barcelona, the event is being organised to coincide with the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The reported cost is about €55 million. The article says around €650,000 is set aside just to replant the White House lawn after the event. For background on the venue, see the official White House website.
Trump said, “We will have a fight on the floor of the White House.” He also said the event, which falls on Flag Day, will be a “great fight” that “will never be repeated.”
Justin Gaethje, described in the source as a friend and compatriot of Trump, reportedly said, “It's great that it's your birthday. It's great that it's on Flag Day.” The article says Gaethje is expected to compete in the main event against Spanish-Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria.
The plan includes an octagon and space for up to 5,000 people. Guests are expected to include White House invitees and members of the Armed Forces. For more on the sport, see the official UFC website.
The article says the event would be the most expensive MMA fight in history. For more local and national coverage, readers can also follow our news page.