{"id":704612,"date":"2026-06-15T02:00:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T02:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/704612\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T02:00:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T02:00:25","slug":"white-house-hosts-ufc-event-celebrating-trump-and-independence-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/704612\/","title":{"rendered":"White House hosts UFC event celebrating Trump and Independence anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 A massive UFC event is taking over the White House\u2019s South Lawn. The event celebrates President Donald Trump\u2019s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Fights are scheduled for Sunday night, with additional activities planned throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n<p>___<\/p>\n<p>This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0000\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Diego Lopes fights Steve Garcia in a featherweight bout during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington.(Evan Vucci\/Pool Photo via AP)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488809_363_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Diego Lopes fights Steve Garcia in a featherweight bout during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington.(Evan Vucci\/Pool Photo via AP)<\/p>\n<p>Diego Lopes fights Steve Garcia in a featherweight bout during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington.(Evan Vucci\/Pool Photo via AP)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0001\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Diego Lopes, stands on the ring fence during the featherweight bout against Steve Garcia during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Alex Brandon)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488810_336_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Diego Lopes, stands on the ring fence during the featherweight bout against Steve Garcia during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Alex Brandon)<\/p>\n<p>Diego Lopes, stands on the ring fence during the featherweight bout against Steve Garcia during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Alex Brandon)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0002\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Nic Becker, of Houston, shows off a Freedom 250 tattoo he got earlier in the day during UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of the fights on the South Lawn, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488811_190_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Nic Becker, of Houston, shows off a Freedom 250 tattoo he got earlier in the day during UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of the fights on the South Lawn, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>Nic Becker, of Houston, shows off a Freedom 250 tattoo he got earlier in the day during UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of the fights on the South Lawn, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0003\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"First lady Melania Trump walks out to the UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488811_767_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>First lady Melania Trump walks out to the UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>First lady Melania Trump walks out to the UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0004\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"People attend UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of the fights on the South Lawn, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488812_540_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>People attend UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of the fights on the South Lawn, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>People attend UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of the fights on the South Lawn, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0005\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"President Donald Trump and UFC President and CEO Dana White watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a fly over the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488812_730_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>President Donald Trump and UFC President and CEO Dana White watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a fly over the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)<\/p>\n<p>President Donald Trump and UFC President and CEO Dana White watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a fly over the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0006\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"MMA fighter Sean Strickland is escorted out of the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on The Ellipse by U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement ahead of UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch\/Pool Photo via AP)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488813_343_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>MMA fighter Sean Strickland is escorted out of the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on The Ellipse by U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement ahead of UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch\/Pool Photo via AP)<\/p>\n<p>MMA fighter Sean Strickland is escorted out of the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on The Ellipse by U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement ahead of UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch\/Pool Photo via AP)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0007\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"UFC fans take video before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488814_374_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>UFC fans take video before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>UFC fans take video before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0008\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Eric Albarracin at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488814_163_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Eric Albarracin at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>Eric Albarracin at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc0009\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Kai Trump arrives before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488815_42_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Kai Trump arrives before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>Kai Trump arrives before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc000a\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Diego Lopes participates in the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488815_137_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Diego Lopes participates in the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>Diego Lopes participates in the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc000b\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"UFC commentator Joe Rogan during the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488816_893_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>UFC commentator Joe Rogan during the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>UFC commentator Joe Rogan during the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dc000c\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Ilia Topuria, center, during the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488816_593_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Ilia Topuria, center, during the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>Ilia Topuria, center, during the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0000\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Thunderbirds and Blue Angels do a practice flyover of the White House, Octagon and Washington Monument, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington, ahead of the UFC fight. (AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488817_211_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Thunderbirds and Blue Angels do a practice flyover of the White House, Octagon and Washington Monument, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington, ahead of the UFC fight. (AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin)<\/p>\n<p>Thunderbirds and Blue Angels do a practice flyover of the White House, Octagon and Washington Monument, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington, ahead of the UFC fight. (AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0001\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"People arrive before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488817_113_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>People arrive before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>People arrive before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0002\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Motorsports athletes and stunt performers do a motorcycle jump ahead of the UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn of the White House, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Alex Brandon, Pool)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488818_702_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Motorsports athletes and stunt performers do a motorcycle jump ahead of the UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn of the White House, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Alex Brandon, Pool)<\/p>\n<p>Motorsports athletes and stunt performers do a motorcycle jump ahead of the UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn of the White House, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Alex Brandon, Pool)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0003\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Isaiah Francisco and Eric Albarracin at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488819_915_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Isaiah Francisco and Eric Albarracin at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>Isaiah Francisco and Eric Albarracin at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0004\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"UFC bantamweight fighters Sean O'Malley and Aiemann Zahabi face off during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488819_748_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>UFC bantamweight fighters Sean O\u2019Malley and Aiemann Zahabi face off during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>UFC bantamweight fighters Sean O\u2019Malley and Aiemann Zahabi face off during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0005\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"A UFC fan participates in the UFC striking challenge before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488820_104_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A UFC fan participates in the UFC striking challenge before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>A UFC fan participates in the UFC striking challenge before the ceremonial UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins on the Ellipse, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0006\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"The UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488820_444_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>The UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0007\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"An attendee holds up a championship belt at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488821_730_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>An attendee holds up a championship belt at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>An attendee holds up a championship belt at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0008\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Attendees cool off in a mist tent at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488821_117_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Attendees cool off in a mist tent at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>Attendees cool off in a mist tent at the UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd0009\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"The UFC holds a news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488822_365_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The UFC holds a news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>The UFC holds a news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd000a\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"UFC fighter Alex Pereira holds his UFC belts at a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488822_542_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>UFC fighter Alex Pereira holds his UFC belts at a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>UFC fighter Alex Pereira holds his UFC belts at a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd000b\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"UFC bantamweight fighter Sean O'Malley enters a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488823_616_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>UFC bantamweight fighter Sean O\u2019Malley enters a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>UFC bantamweight fighter Sean O\u2019Malley enters a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd000c\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"The UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488824_318_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>The UFC Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd000d\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Audience members cheer during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488824_618_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Audience members cheer during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>Audience members cheer during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-dd000e\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Audience members cheer and boo during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday's fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781488825_252_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Audience members cheer and boo during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>Audience members cheer and boo during a UFC news conference at the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of Sunday\u2019s fight on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 A massive UFC event is taking over the White House\u2019s South Lawn. The event celebrates&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":704613,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[3506,3505,12,793,3493,688,127087,111,99,795,800],"class_list":["post-704612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-dc-wire","tag-district-of-columbia","tag-donald-trump","tag-general-news","tag-photo-galleries","tag-photography","tag-photography-lead","tag-politics","tag-sports","tag-u-s-news","tag-washington-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=704612"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704612\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/704613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=704612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=704612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=704612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}