Judge Denies Petition to Halt UFC Event at White House

A federal judge dismissed an attempt to stop the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event planned for the White House this weekend. Judge Amit Mehta ruled against Washington, D.C. residents Susan Douglas and Paul Romano, who sought to prevent the event from proceeding. They alleged that the mixed martial arts fights violated event restrictions on White House property and claimed the structure, called the Claw, was built illegally.

Judge Mehta noted that the plaintiffs did not prove potential harm from the event nor did they demonstrate legal standing to sue. The event, named ‘UFC Freedom 250,’ will occur on the South Lawn of the White House this Sunday, coinciding with President Trump’s 80th birthday and the celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Construction of the Claw, a 92-foot structure to house the Octagon, took three weeks. Seven fights are planned for Sunday as part of ‘UFC Freedom 250,’ which includes additional events starting Friday. These events include a press conference and fighter face-offs at the Lincoln Memorial. On Saturday, the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest at the Ellipse will feature a ceremonial weigh-in and a performance by the Zac Brown Band.

The White House expects attendance of around 4,000 people for the fights, with another 12,000 spectators watching from the Ellipse. Paramount+ will broadcast the event, and is part of Paramount Skydance, CBS News’ parent company.

Court filings describe the extensive arrangements for the UFC event. Over 700 subcontractors were involved in preparation, with the White House and U.S. Secret Service vetting more than 2,000 participants for the ‘UFC Freedom 250’ and its broadcast, said Andrew Fischer, director for White House Management and Administration. The UFC and its partners invested over $60 million in preparation for the weekend’s events.