The Pentagon is recruiting service members to attend President Donald Trump's birthday UFC fight on the White House lawn, but only those meeting strict physical fitness standards, according to a memo obtained by The Washington Post.
Air Force troops considering the offer were told they must meet the "CURRENT WAIST-HEIGHT RATIO and current physical fitness standard." The effort focuses on junior enlisted and officer corps across military branches, with attendees required to wear short-sleeve dress uniforms.
Construction is underway for the June 14 bout, part of the American 250th anniversary celebrations. A temporary arena with a superstructure towering above the White House is being erected on the South Lawn.
President Trump, a regular UFC attendee, has close ties to UFC boss Dana White. Tickets are reportedly guaranteed mainly to military personnel, Trump associates, or high-dollar sponsors, with a crowd of about 4,000 expected.
The Trump administration has emphasised troop fitness. In 2025, Defense Secretary Hegseth criticised "fat generals and admirals" and introduced new fitness requirements. He later lamented that many young Americans are "too fat" or "too dumb" to serve, though he corrected the latter remark.
