Behind the scenes of White Houses UFC octagon that Trump boasts will host the roughest people
WASHINGTON — The White House and UFC welcomed dozens of stunned journalists Thursday to the site of the formerly grassy South Lawn, which has been transformed into a massive arena to host a seven-fight mixed martial arts showdown due to start at 8 p.m.Sunday.President Trump, who is celebrating his 80th birthday the same evening, told The Post the fight will be an invigorating expo for Americans, who can watch the event on CBS or Paramount Plus, along with about 4,000 people who scored a spot for a coveted ticket.“They’re the roughest people you’ll ever meet, I will tell you.
I don’t know how they do it,” Trump said in a phone interview.“They’re all champions, every one.You’re not going to believe it.
If you haven’t seen it much, you’re not going to believe it,” added Trump, who has attended many UFC fights with his friend Dana White, CEO of the organization and developer of the “Freedom250” fight concept.Trump and the winners of two championship matches will be presented with massive belts containing 60 carats of diamonds and 2 carats of rubies — the most expensive ever produced — according to a UFC press release, which doesn’t specify the cost.The event ostensibly celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and its two championship fights are expected to be the most closely watched of the seven contests.American Justin Gaethje will fight Ilia Topuria from the nation of Georgia for the lightweight title.The famed Alex Pereira of Brazil and Ciryl Gane of France will vie for the interim heavyweight title.All seven fights will have five rounds of 5 minutes — unless one of the men submits or is knocked unconscious.
Non-championship matches usually have three rounds.The Gaethje-Topuria match offers a clear potential moment for American national pride, but Trump held his cards close on who he’s rooting for, saying, “They’re all friends of mine.”“It’s a great match, boy, they’re both gre...