The US president is scheduled to watch seven bouts in front of 4,000 attendees inside a custom-built venue on the White House grounds. Critics argue that the unprecedented spectacle is in poor judgment amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
US President Donald Trump will mark his 80th birthday on Sunday evening with a historic cage-fighting event on the White House's iconic South Lawn.
Costing over $60 million (β¬52 million), the occasion will feature seven mixed martial arts matches held inside a specially constructed arena known as "The Claw."
Trump is expected to be accompanied by roughly 4,000 spectators as stars from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) league aim to kick, punch, and grapple their way to victory within a wire-mesh octagonal cage.
Thousands more are anticipated to view the fights on a large screen from the adjacent Ellipse park.
The event, dubbed "UFC Freedom 250," has been tied to this year's broader celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
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Critics have condemned the extravaganza, calling it unsuitable at a moment when the war with Iran, now in its fourth month, has raised living costs for everyday citizens.
The event occurs as Trump seeks an agreement with Tehran to conclude the war, stating that a deal is expected to be signed on Sunday, though Iran has cast doubt on that timeline.
Opponents also initiated a legal challenge to prevent the fights, contending that Trump had overstepped his authority by permitting his longtime friend, UFC President Dana White, to use the White House grounds to advertise a private, for-profit sporting event. However, a judge rejected the motion.
The president has stated that the UFC is covering all expenses for the entire event, and the UFC has said it will not turn a profit.
What to anticipate on Sunday evening
The fights are scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. local time (0000 GMT Monday) and continue past midnight.
The main event features Alex Pereira of Brazil facing Ciryl Gane of France for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria then takes on former interim titleholder Justin Gaethje.
In a theatrical twist, some of the top fighters participating on Sunday are reportedly set to emerge from the Oval Office itself before walking through the Rose Garden or West Wing colonnade into the arena.
There will also be military bands, a US military flyover and parachute display, and a 10-minute fireworks finale.
The night's program even prompted France to postpone the Group of Seven summit, set to start on Monday, to allow Trump to attend the cage fights.
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Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
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