President Donald Trump stated Friday that construction will begin next week on a temporary arena on the White House South Lawn to host a major UFC event in June.

Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn, Trump said, "The arena, they’re going to start building it over the next week." He described the structure as an approximately 5,000-seat venue that will house the octagon-shaped fighting cage. An overflow area on the nearby Ellipse will accommodate up to 100,000 additional spectators watching on large screens, with Trump emphasizing, "It’s all free. It’s going to be great."

The event, titled UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn. It coincides with Trump's 80th birthday and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. The card features seven fights, headlined by a UFC lightweight championship unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje. The co-main event pits Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title, with additional matchups including Sean O'Malley versus Aiemann Zahabi.

A mockup of the arena's centerpiece, a 90-foot-tall open-air structure called "The Claw," has been on display in Lititz, Pennsylvania. UFC CEO Dana White, a longtime Trump ally, confirmed the promotion will cover all costs, estimated at $60 million for the event and $700,000 to $1 million for South Lawn restoration. No taxpayer funds will be used, and the event is expected to draw massive viewership.

Trump first floated the idea in July 2025 at an Iowa rally as part of America 250 festivities. White confirmed plans after a White House meeting that August, with the full fight card revealed in March 2026. The temporary octagon will feature a 6-foot wire-mesh fence, marking the first professional sporting event at the presidential residence.

Security will be at the highest level, with multi-agency involvement and a no-drone zone. Weigh-ins are planned at the Lincoln Memorial, and a fan fest with entertainment will precede the fights on June 13 at the Ellipse, offering 85,000 free tickets. Trump, a longtime UFC enthusiast who has attended recent events, highlighted the unprecedented interest in the spectacle.