WASHINGTON — Mixed martial arts competitors walked past the imposing marble figure of the 16th president at the Lincoln Memorial, descending the steps to cheers from thousands of spectators who gathered for an unprecedented sporting event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Friday evening’s news conference showcased the athletes preparing for Sunday’s matches in an Octagon constructed on the White House grounds. The event also highlighted the dedicated UFC supporters who traveled to Washington, weathering storms, sticky weather, and insects for this unique spectacle.
Tracy Philbeck traveled from Charlotte, North Carolina, with his son Levi and several friends to cheer for American fighter Justin Gaethje in his upcoming lightweight championship match against Georgian competitor Ilia Topuria.
“You will hear an eagle screaming when Justin Gaethje wins,” the elder Philbeck chuckled.
David Halstead made the journey from Albany, in Western Australia, to witness the sport he’s followed for ten years. Halstead credited Trump, who frequently attends these competitions, with putting “UFC on the map.”
The UFC invested $60 million in this weekend’s celebration, with the Republican president calling it “the greatest show on earth.”
However, not everyone supports the event.
The Public Integrity Project called the weekend “a private, commercial, corrupt use of our most sacred national monuments for private gain” in legal action the organization brought attempting to prevent it from occurring on government property. A federal judge decided Friday that the White House could proceed.
Approximately one in ten American adults consider themselves mixed martial arts enthusiasts, based on Ipsos Sports research from February and March. The survey indicates MMA supporters tend to be male and nonwhite, with more Republicans than Democrats among their ranks.
“One misconception is that everyone who watches UFC is a Trump supporter, but that’s not the case,” said Ricardo Rodriguez, 24, describing his attraction to the sport’s physical nature. “People also expect a knock out every time,” he added.
Ellie Louizes, who trains in Muay Thai and jujitsu martial arts, made the trip from Daytona Beach, Florida, with her boyfriend, Jacob Purvis.
Women represent a smaller portion of MMA’s audience. However, Louizes noted she’s acquainted with many women who became interested in the sport through their male companions. She observed that “female fighters are often way more aggressive” than their male counterparts.
Spectators at the Lincoln Memorial dismissed concerns about hosting matches at the White House.
Staging fights at the “People’s House,” Tracy Philbeck noted, “goes back to the days of Teddy Roosevelt.”
Roosevelt frequently conducted sparring sessions at the White House, although these weren’t official public competitions. He was a passionate amateur boxer who participated at Harvard and maintained the activity throughout most of his adult years.
Boxing enthusiasts also represent a significant portion of UFC’s audience.
During a UFC-sponsored community gathering this week at the District of Columbia’s Midtown Youth Academy, the boxing facility’s executive director assisted with a visit from UFC competitor Randy Brown, who practiced with over a dozen local young people.
Gloria Lee described meeting the athlete as significant for the children at her facility. “It’s just been a thrilling week, and I was about to fall out when he came in the door!” she exclaimed.
When asked about her own UFC interest, Lee admitted she hadn’t watched much. But following Brown’s visit, she entered the ring with the professional competitor and threw some punches herself.
