The Pentagon is inviting junior enlisted troops and junior officers to attend a UFC event at the White House on June 14, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the nation's 250th anniversary. Service members must meet current waist-to-height ratio standards and physical fitness requirements to qualify for tickets, which they must pay for themselves. The event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, has sparked mixed reactions, with some fighters calling it a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' while others criticize it as 'Hunger Games nonsense.'
Event Details and Requirements
The Pentagon has specified that personnel must meet a waist-to-height ratio of less than 0.55, meaning a 6-foot service member cannot have a waist larger than 39.6 inches. The Air Force memo emphasizes that tickets are for 'genuine UFC fans, not solely high-ranking DVs,' and attendees must wear short-sleeve dress uniforms. The White House has described the event as 'one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history,' while critics argue it is inappropriate for National Park Service land.
Reactions and Controversy
The event has drawn criticism from former National Park Service officials, who argue it strays from the agency's traditional mission. Advocates and career employees have called the event 'inappropriate and disrespectful' to the history of the White House and National Mall. Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White has defended the event, stating it is not inherently political and reflects his love for the country. The event is expected to cost $30 million, with preparations including the construction of a stars-and-stripes arch on the South Lawn.
Broader Celebrations
The UFC event is part of a larger summer-long festival to commemorate the Declaration of Independence. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, featuring IndyCar races, will also take place on National Mall land. The Trump administration has enlisted the National Park Foundation to help organize these events, which are billed as celebrations of patriotism and pride.