Federal Judge Allows UFC Event at White House Amid Legal Challenge

Washington — U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta dismissed an attempt to halt the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event scheduled at the White House this weekend. Two Washington, D.C., residents, Susan Douglas and Paul Romano, sought an emergency order to prevent the event, claiming it violated restrictions on events at White House grounds. They also argued that the structure built for the fights, named the Claw, was erected illegally.

However, Judge Mehta ruled that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate potential harm from the event and lacked standing to file the lawsuit. Standing refers to the legal right to initiate a lawsuit.

The “UFC Freedom 250” event will occur on the South Lawn of the White House, celebrating President Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Preparations included constructing the Claw, a 92-foot-tall structure, over the past three weeks to host the Octagon.

Besides the scheduled seven fights on Sunday, “UFC Freedom 250” features minor events starting Friday. These include a press conference and fighter face-offs at the Lincoln Memorial. On Saturday, a ceremonial weigh-in and performance by the Zac Brown Band will take place at the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on the Ellipse.

The White House anticipates around 4,000 attendees at the South Lawn UFC fights and another 12,000 spectators from the Ellipse. Paramount+ will broadcast the event, a service owned by Paramount Skydance, CBS News’ parent company.

In court documents, the White House detailed the extensive preparations for the weekend’s UFC event. Over 700 subcontractors were engaged in construction efforts. The White House and U.S. Secret Service authorized over 2,000 individuals to partake in the “UFC Freedom 250” event and broadcast, according to Andrew Fischer, director for White House Management and Administration. The UFC and related entities have expended over $60 million on these preparations.