The United States government has been sued and faces a lawsuit to halt a planned UFC fight night set to be held on the White House lawn later this week.
A lawsuit was filed today by the watchdog Public Integrity Project on behalf of two private citizens asking a federal judge to prevent the event from happening on June 14. The fight night has been marketed as part of America’s 250th birthday and is supposed to be held on the South Lawn of the White House under a temporary fighting arena that is to be erected outside.
According to the documents, the plaintiffs assert the event is an “impermissible use of public property for a private sporting enterprise and spectacle” and also claim that the installation of “The Claw” and supporting structures was not properly authorized.
The UFC event has become quite a spectacle as it will be held at the White House for the first time and has the support of President Donald Trump, who has backed the promotion for years. Dana White, UFC President, had said the idea came from Trump but has downplayed the idea that the event will be held as his birthday party.
The Trump administration called the lawsuit “baseless” and says events at the White House are always planned in consideration for all Americans.
If all goes as planned, it is expected to be one of the biggest UFC events of all-time with numerous media outlets from all around the world broadcasting the fight card on network television.
