WASHINGTON (AP) — Cage-match fighting is coming to the White House to fete President Donald Trump, a proud proponent of cage-match politics.
In the coming weeks, crews will erect a 6-foot wire-mesh fence shaped into an octagon on the lawn, where UFC fighters will use a combination of kickboxing, jiujitsu, wrestling, and other martial arts in a June 14 mixed martial arts show timed for Trump’s 80th birthday and as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
This celebration of brutal force aligns with Trump’s combative charisma and ideological masculinity. Trump stated, “I have respect for fighters, when you can take 200 shots to the face and then look forward to the second round,” during a campaign interview.
The former president is no stranger to mixed martial arts, being the first sitting president to attend a UFC event back in 2019. This upcoming match symbolizes another move by Trump to solidify his brand with a solid base of young male fans who find appeal in the sport.
While promoting the event, critics have noted the absence of top-tier fighters, such as Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, raising concerns about the perceived quality of the matchups scheduled for his presidential event.
Despite this, the UFC aims to distribute 85,000 free tickets, allowing many to witness the spectacle potentially reinforcing Trump's brand of politics through the lens of combat sports.
The White House’s communications team commented that this event will be one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history, a statement not without skepticism given the crude spectacle's implications within political discourse.
Trump’s history with combat sports, including previous investments and close relationships with UFC executives, showcases a trend of using sports as a tool for political engagement, aiming to resonate with voter sentiments. Critics argue this emphasizes Trump’s transactional approach to politics, intertwining his personal narrative with the fierce world of fighting.
