Judge rules Trump can stage UFC fights on White House’s South Lawn this weekend
The judge said plaintiffs lacked standing and failed to show irreparable harm as organizers prepare a privately run show with VIP packages costing millions.
- On Friday, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta refused to block the "UFC Freedom 250" event scheduled for Sunday on the White House South Lawn, allowing the mixed martial arts show to proceed as planned.
- Plaintiffs unsuccessfully sought to block construction of a 92-foot, 600-ton steel structure called The Claw, alleging the administration granted the UFC an "extraordinary business opportunity" on federal grounds without proper permitting.
- Mehta cited the plaintiffs' "unreasonable delay" in challenging the event, finding they likely lack legal standing and failed to demonstrate irreparable harm despite $60 million in UFC expenditures.
- The Claw will be disassembled starting Monday, with staging equipment at the Lincoln Memorial also slated for removal, undermining plaintiffs' claims of permanent "aesthetic harms."
- President Donald Trump, who first attended a UFC show in 2019, maintains close ties with CEO Dana White; the administration describes the event as routine engagement similar to others hosted at public forums.
61 Articles
61 Articles
Judge allows UFC cage matches to go ahead on White House lawn
The Ultimate Fighting Championship branded its upcoming mix martial arts fight on the White House South Lawn, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as a celebration of America's 250th birthday. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)The Ultimate Fighting Championship cage matches set to take place on the White House South Lawn on Sunday will go on as scheduled, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled Friday. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta denied an em…
UFC fight on White House lawn will go on Sunday after judge denies emergency challenge
Various advertisements, including those for Bud Light beer and Polymarket live betting, surrounded the Ultimate Fighting Championship ring, or "octagon," on the White House South Lawn on Thursday, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)The Ultimate Fighting Championship cage matches set to take place on the White House South Lawn on Sunday will go on as scheduled, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled Friday. U.S. District J…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Judge rejects bid to block Trump’s UFC fight at White House
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