US President Donald Trump has compared the UFC arena being constructed on the White House grounds to the Eiffel Tower, joking that he may never remove the structure after the event.
The arena is being built on the South Lawn of the White House ahead of a historic UFC event scheduled for 14 June as part of celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.
Trump draws comparison with Eiffel Tower
Speaking about the project, Trump referenced the history of the Eiffel Tower, which was originally intended to be a temporary structure after being built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris.
“Many don’t know that it was supposed to be taken down immediately after the World’s Fair,” Trump said.
“They said, ‘You know, we sort of like it, let’s leave it up a little longer.’ And then they said, ‘Let’s leave it longer and longer,’ and they never took it down.”
Referring to the UFC venue, he added: “We’re building something in front of the White House that’s quite attractive to a lot of people. And I’m looking at it and maybe we’ll never, ever take it down.”
Historic UFC event at the White House
The event, titled UFC Freedom 250, will be the first professional live sporting event ever held on White House grounds.
Construction crews have already begun assembling the venue, including large domed arches surrounding the area where the octagon will be placed.
According to UFC president Dana White, around 4,300 spectators will attend the event on the South Lawn, with many expected to be members of the US military.
An additional 85,000 fans will be able to watch from nearby Ellipse Park, where free tickets will be distributed. The UFC has confirmed that no tickets will be sold to the general public.
Topuria and Gaethje headline card
The main event will feature a lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
In the co-main event, former champion Alex Pereira will face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
The UFC is reportedly investing around $60 million (£44.3 million) into the project.
Part of broader White House renovations
The UFC arena is the latest in a series of construction and renovation projects undertaken during Trump’s second term.
Recent changes to the White House include upgrades to the Oval Office, a redesigned Rose Garden area, renovations to the Lincoln Bedroom facilities and the demolition of the East Wing to make space for a new ballroom.
While Trump’s comments about keeping the UFC structure permanently were made in a light-hearted manner, the comparison with the Eiffel Tower has already attracted significant attention ahead of what promises to be one of the most unusual sporting events in American history.
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