Nicolai Haugsted
Both Democrats and Republicans have naysayers regarding the president’s decision.
Donald Trump has never been known for celebrating milestones quietly.
As preparations continue for a series of events marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, the president is pushing ahead with one of his most unusual ideas yet: hosting a UFC cage fighting event on the White House grounds.
A new poll suggests much of the country isn’t convinced it’s a fitting way to celebrate American history.
Americans Largely Oppose the Idea
According to a Reuters/Ipsos survey, only 16% of Americans believe it is appropriate for Trump to host a mixed martial arts event at the White House.
Nearly half of respondents, 46%, said the event would be inappropriate, while the remainder either had no opinion or were unsure.
Perhaps more surprisingly for the White House, skepticism extends well beyond Trump’s political opponents.
Only 31% of Republican respondents said they supported the idea, despite broad Republican approval of Trump’s overall performance as president.
Cage Fight Planned for Trump’s 80th Birthday
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, which also happens to be Trump’s 80th birthday.
Plans call for a large octagon-shaped fighting arena to be erected on the White House grounds, where UFC fighters would compete under the promotion’s standard rules.
Competitors would be permitted to strike using punches, kicks, knees, and elbows while wearing gloves with minimal padding.
The spectacle forms part of a broader series of celebrations connected to the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial commemorations.
Legal Challenge Emerges
Not everyone is focused solely on whether the event is appropriate.
A group of local residents has attempted to block the UFC card through legal action, arguing that sporting events are not permitted on the White House South Lawn.
Critics have also questioned whether the massive temporary structure currently being assembled has received all necessary approvals.
Trump’s administration responded this week by asking a judge to dismiss the challenge and allow preparations to continue.
Longstanding Relationship With UFC
Trump’s connection to mixed martial arts stretches back more than two decades.
During the early years of the UFC’s rise, Trump hosted events at his former Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, helping provide the promotion with a high-profile venue at a critical stage in its growth.
Today, UFC President Dana White remains one of Trump’s closest allies and most visible supporters.
A Niche Sport Compared to Other Favorites
Despite the UFC’s growing popularity, the poll indicates mixed martial arts remains a smaller spectator sport than several of America’s other major competitions.
Only 18% of respondents identified themselves as MMA fans.
By comparison, 31% said they follow basketball, while 16% said they regularly follow soccer.
The numbers leave Trump facing an unusual situation. A celebration that combines two of his most recognizable passions — large-scale public events and UFC — appears to be generating considerably less enthusiasm among voters than within the White House itself.
