Protests erupt as Trump hosts UFC event on his birthday

The Guardian Sport1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 9:54 PM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

Protests erupt as Trump hosts UFC event on his birthday
Summary

Protests took place in Washington and across the U.S. as President Trump hosted a UFC event at the White House for his 80th birthday. Demonstrators gathered at the Ellipse, holding signs and chanting while fight fans entered the venue set up by the Trump administration and UFC. The event features seven mixed martial arts fights and is portrayed as a celebration of the country’s fighting spirit, tied to its upcoming 250th anniversary.

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By the Numbers
  • Protests occurred at the Ellipse near the White House.
  • Trump's birthday coincides with the UFC event.
  • Thousands of fight fans attended despite the protests.
  • The event celebrates the U.S. fighting spirit ahead of its anniversary.
  • Seven mixed martial arts fights were held on the lawn.
Latest Updates
  • 9:54 PMThe Guardian Sport‘Reeks of corruption’: protesters rally as Trump hosts UFC event on his birthday
What they're saying
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Demonstrations took off in Washington and across US as Trump throws first private, for-profit sporting event ever held on White House grounds Dozens of people stood across the entrance gates to the Ellipse, the park south of the White House, on Sunday afternoon, holding protest signs and chanting as the president prepared to host seven mixed martial arts fights on the lawn. Thousands of fight fans streamed past the protesters into the sprawling public viewing area that the Trump administration and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is hosting the fights, erected steps from the White House. The cage fights, marketed as a celebration of the country’s “fighting spirit” ahead of its 250th anniversary, are being held on Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. Continue reading...

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