PORTALBERITA.CO.ID - Former President Donald Trump launched the celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary by staging an elaborate Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event directly on the historic White House South Lawn. This unprecedented move saw the iconic grounds temporarily converted into a professional fighting arena as reported by Dailycaller.
The massive outdoor spectacle was reportedly funded through a collaboration between the fighting league and its president, Dana White, incurring an estimated cost of $30 million. As part of the event's outreach, half of the 4,000 available seating accommodations were distributed without charge to currently serving members of the United States armed forces.
The main card fighters participating in the evening's bouts made their official entrance by walking directly through the White House complex before stepping out onto the specially constructed octagon on the lawn. An administration source detailed that American contender Justin Gaethje spent time inside the Oval Office prior to his lightweight bout, shadowboxing and making the sign of the cross.
The highly anticipated lightweight championship contest pitted Gaethje against the previously undefeated Ilia Topuria, with Topuria entering the fight as the clear favorite. However, Gaethje delivered a dominant performance throughout the contest until Topuria ultimately conceded the fight by throwing in the towel during the fourth round.
Following the conclusion of the main event, veteran commentator Joe Rogan managed the post-fight interview proceedings from the center of the Octagon. Rogan addressed the victor, stating, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am here with the winner and new UFC Lightweight Champion of the World, Justin Gaethje. Justin, you have been waiting for this moment your entire career and to win it in such a spectacular fashion in a fight where you were in some points six to one underdog. How good does this feel?"
Justin Gaethje immediately dedicated his career-defining victory to the assembled military personnel and emergency service workers present at the event. Gaethje emphasized his gratitude, stating, "Hey, I’m from America; 250 years ago, we were way bigger than 6 to 1 dogs. And look at this thriving now. To all the current, former, and future military service members, thank you so much. Thank you so much to all the first responders, the police officers, firefighters, ambulance, EMTs. You guys have no idea how grateful I am. And for as long as I’m able to, I will use my name to make money and support you guys first and foremost. Thank you. And all glory to God. I prayed so much for this opportunity to do something legendary. And I know that was absolutely legendary cause I cannot even believe it," said Gaethje.
This high-profile sporting event is just one component of the Trump administration's expansive and conspicuous strategy to commemorate the nation's milestone anniversary. Preparations for international and domestic visitors included significant infrastructure upgrades across Washington D.C., such as the complete refurbishment of the fountains located at the historic Union Station.
Looking ahead, the administration is planning further public spectacles, including a Nitro Circus motocross exhibition featuring large jumps staged directly in front of the White House. Subsequently, the National Mall is scheduled to host a two-week rodeo as part of the larger Great American State Fair programming.
Official promotional materials aired during the broadcast served to highlight key moments in American history, including segments on Teddy Roosevelt’s documented wrestling matches held within the White House walls, the creation of the National Anthem, and George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River. As reported by Dailycaller, fighter Josh Hokit also garnered significant public attention following his technical knockout victory on the undercard.
