Donald Trump has proposed the idea of permanently retaining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) venue currently being built on the South Lawn of the White House, which is set to host a series of fights later this month.
In a video shared on his official TikTok account on Tuesday, the president drew a comparison between the new structure and the Eiffel Tower. He remarked, “Many people are unaware that the Eiffel Tower in Paris was constructed in 1889 with the intention of it being dismantled right after the world’s fair. However, over time, they decided to keep it, and it became a cherished landmark.”
Trump continued, “They never took it down, and we are in the process of building something right in front of the White House that is quite appealing to many. It will host a major UFC fight on June 14, and I’m considering the possibility of never taking it down.”
In recent weeks, teams have been busy assembling the octagonal fighting ring that will feature seven bouts on June 14, coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday and the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The arena, with its towering 90-foot steel arches resembling claws, is outfitted with numerous cameras and adorned with patterns of the American flag.
The UFC is financing the construction of the venue. Mark Shapiro, the president of TKO Group Holdings, which oversees the UFC, indicated that the overall expenses for the event—including construction, fighter compensation, and fan engagements—are projected to exceed $60 million, with no expectation of profit. UFC president Dana White also mentioned that the organization will allocate around $700,000 for the restoration of the South Lawn’s grass after the event concludes.
Trump informed reporters last month that the arena will accommodate 4,500 attendees, primarily military personnel, as no public tickets will be made available. An estimated 75,000 to 100,000 additional spectators will have the opportunity to view the event via screens set up in the Ellipse near the White House.
The Freedom 250 fight card, which has garnered a somewhat tepid response from both fighters and fans, will showcase two title matches: Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje for the lightweight championship and Alex Pereira versus Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title.
The Eiffel Tower was originally built for the 1889 world’s fair and was meant to stand for just 20 years, but its architect, Gustave Eiffel, championed its preservation as a significant monument for the city of Paris.
The UFC arena represents the latest in a series of construction efforts by Trump aimed at reimagining the White House. Since his reelection, he has introduced numerous gold accents in the Oval Office, paved over a section of the Rose Garden, and demolished the East Wing to create a new ballroom.
