Construction underway on White House South Lawn for America 250 UFC ring

Construction is underway at the White House ahead of a major UFC event next month.

Crews are building a temporary, 5,000-seat arena on the South Lawn for 鈥淯FC Freedom 250,” which is set for June 14.

The event will feature a custom lighting structure designed to keep the White House as the backdrop.

The UFC says it鈥檚 covering most of the cost, which is expected to top $60 million. Additional security will be handled by federal and local agencies.

A handful of fighters competing in the mixed martial arts show, dubbed 鈥�,鈥� joined the president in the Oval Office in early may. The June 14 event聽is part of celebrations to mark the United States鈥� 250th anniversary of independence.

The fight card includes champion Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje, with weigh-ins planned at the Lincoln Memorial.

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Equipment is seen being placed on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Washington for a future UFC mixed martial arts fight to be held on June 14 as part of America 250 celebrations. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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Equipment for a future UFC fight is being placed on the South Lawn in front of the White House, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Washington, as work continues on the construction of the ballroom, right, as seen from the Washington Monument. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)