Trump to Host UFC at White House; Champion Claims Banned for Criticism

(AFP, Washington, D.C.) U.S. President Donald Trump will host an unprecedented Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House. However, dissenting voices have emerged from the mixed martial arts community, which has largely supported Trump, with the UFC middleweight champion claiming he was banned for criticizing Trump and the US-Iran war.

According to AFP, the event, named 'UFC Freedom 250,' is scheduled for June 14 on the White House South Lawn, featuring 12 fighters. The date also marks Trump's 80th birthday.

Trump has close ties with the leadership of this intense and popular sport, and many top fighters have publicly expressed their support for him.

However, tensions are rising as the event date approaches.

Joe Rogan, a hugely popular American podcast host and key opinion leader in the UFC circle, noted on May 27 that having top athletes compete outdoors in the June heat was 'weird.'

He softened his tone this week, stating, 'There's nothing more American than having a UFC event on the White House lawn.'

UFC President and Trump ally Dana White mentioned that Washington D.C.'s notorious mosquito problem could be a major challenge for an outdoor event.

Beyond logistical issues like venue planning, questions are being raised about the appropriateness of spending $60 million on the event while the US-Iran conflict continues and the public is deeply dissatisfied with the economy.

Furthermore, current UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland claims he was banned from participating for criticizing Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the war they jointly waged against Iran.

Another UFC fighter, Bryce Mitchell, voiced support for Strickland this week, calling the government hosting a fighting event at the White House a 'desecration of the government's proper social role.'

Strickland supported Trump in the 2024 US presidential election but has since distanced himself. He has faced severe criticism for repeatedly making racist remarks.

Mitchell also previously supported Trump's re-election bid but called Trump the 'Antichrist' in April, accusing him of 'destroying our country and launching wars without the consent of the voters.' (Translated by Hong Peiying) 1150605