The U.S. Department of Defense is recruiting soldiers to attend a UFC event at the White House on June 14, requiring participants to cover their own travel expenses to Washington.
Recruitment and Requirements
The U.S. Department of Defense has reached out to soldiers across all military branches to attend the event scheduled for June 14. According to internal communications cited by The Washington Post, personnel must pay for their own transportation to Washington.
Internal notes sent to the U.S. Air Force specify that soldiers qualify if they meet fitness standards and height-to-waist ratios. Attendees are required to wear short-sleeved dress uniforms.
White House Preparations
A White House spokesperson, Davis Ingle, did not deny the recruitment effort, framing the event as a monumental celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Preparations are underway for an arena on the White House grounds designed to hold approximately 4,000 people, largely comprised of military personnel.
The event, held on Flag Day and President Trump’s 80th birthday, will feature seven fights, including a main event between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. While tickets are not for sale, Fox Sports reports that an estimated 85,000 fans are expected to watch the spectacle on nearby screens.
Context of the Celebration
The UFC gala is part of a series of events marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Other planned activities include IndyCar racing on the streets of Washington, scheduled for August.
UFC remains popular among U.S. military personnel, with many active-duty soldiers and veterans participating in mixed martial arts. The upcoming White House gala has elicited mixed public reactions.