Donald Trump has suggested that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) arena being built on the White House South Lawn might remain permanently, comparing the structure to the Eiffel Tower. In a video posted on his TikTok account on Tuesday, the president noted that the Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be temporary but was never taken down.
“Well, they never took it down, and you know we’re building something in front of the White House that’s quite attractive to a lot of people. It’s going to have the big UFC fight on 14 June, and I’m looking at it and maybe we’ll never ever take it down,” Trump said.
The octagonal ring, which has been under assembly for weeks, will host seven fights on 14 June to mark Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of US independence. The 90ft steel arches, resembling a claw, feature multiple cameras and American flag patterns. The UFC is covering construction costs, with TKO Group Holdings president Mark Shapiro estimating the event will cost at least $60m and not turn a profit.
UFC president Dana White stated his organisation will spend around $700,000 to restore the South Lawn grass after the event. Trump told reporters last month that the arena will seat 4,500 spectators, mostly military members, with no public tickets available. An additional 75,000 to 100,000 people can watch on screens from the Ellipse near the White House.
The Freedom 250 card, which has received a mixed response from fighters and fans, includes two title fights: Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje for the lightweight belt and Alex Pereira versus Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title. The Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 world’s fair, was only intended to stand for 20 years before its architect advocated for its permanent retention.
The UFC arena is the latest addition to Trump’s remodelling of the White House, which has included gold details in the Oval Office, paving over part of the Rose Garden, and demolishing the East Wing to build a ballroom.
