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Rubio touts UFC event at White House as major crowd pleaser

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 12:12 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Rubio touts UFC event at White House as major crowd pleaser

Summary

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described an upcoming UFC event at the White House as more appealing than Shakespeare in the Park. The mixed martial arts competition coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and is expected to attract massive viewership. An arena for 4,000 spectators has been erected on the South Lawn, and over 120,000 visitors are anticipated near the venue for the ceremonial weigh-in. Rubio called the event a "gift to the American people," emphasizing its connection to the celebration of America's 250th anniversary. The UFC is reportedly covering the event's $60 million cost amid substantial resource allocation from federal agencies.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•UFC event scheduled for this Sunday at the White House.
•Event coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
•An arena for 4,000 has been built on the South Lawn.
•Ceremonial weigh-in planned with over 120,000 expected to attend.
•Rubio promotes the event as a historic American celebration.

Latest Updates

12:12 AMYahoo Sports — Rubio: UFC contest at White House has broader appeal than Shakespeare

What they're saying

"
A mixed martial arts contest at the White House was seen as a bigger crowd pleaser than Shakespeare in the Park to celebrate America's 250th independence anniversary, according to US secretary of state Marco Rubio. He predicted Sunday's Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event, which is being held on US President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, would be watched by a billion people all over the world.
— Yahoo Sports

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