WASHINGTON — From a distance, the massive structure resembles something from outer space rather than a fighting venue.
Perhaps it appears to be the type of spacecraft that might transport extraterrestrials to the White House for a diplomatic encounter with the nation’s commander-in-chief.
However, upon closer inspection, the outline of an eight-sided fighting cage becomes clear, measuring 30 feet (9 meters) across and designed with meticulous detail to mirror the MMA organization’s iconic Octagon. Essentially, it resembles a STOP sign turned on its side, complete with mesh barriers and cushioned edges displaying various corporate sponsor names: Morgan & Morgan, Bud Light, Dodge Ram, Corona Extra and Polymarket, which calls itself the globe’s biggest prediction market.
Above it all towers The Claw, a four-sided structure that stretches over 90 feet (27 meters) skyward and contains lighting equipment, sound systems, thick cables and four massive screens so spectators seated away from the Octagon can watch the combat action taking place inside the cage.
Picture the four-pronged mechanical device that attempts to grab plush toys at an arcade game rather than feline appendages — explaining the otherworldly appearance.
Encircling this setup are bleachers packed with gray folding seats creating a makeshift venue designed to accommodate more than 4,000 spectators for the seven UFC matches scheduled for Sunday in honor of President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
For those unfamiliar with UFC, this entire scene might seem bewildering regardless of the setting. However, the temporary venue spans almost the complete White House South Lawn, the same space where Marine One typically touches down to transport the president on out-of-state journeys and where countless children hunt for eggs during the annual Easter celebration each spring.
Over $60 million and countless work hours have been invested in constructing the arena, based on a court document filed by the National Park Service, which manages the South Lawn and is defending against a legal challenge aimed at stopping the event.
The White House indicates the UFC is funding the expenses, although the filing reveals that seven government departments — including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration — have “allocated significant resources and manpower.”
Combat athletes, their teams and various support personnel are anticipated to occupy the driveway and portions of the West Wing when not competing. They will access the arena through covered walkways leading directly to the Octagon.
Both the fighters and regular attendees of Sunday’s event will enjoy scenic views of the White House Executive Residence and the historic Truman Balcony on one side, with the Washington Monument rising in the background on the other. The entire scene will be enhanced by rotating spotlights, and possibly even perspiration and blood from the athletes battling each other.
A full schedule of preliminary events includes a media conference at the Lincoln Memorial featuring UFC chief Dana White and the competitors on Friday evening.
Additionally, a formal weigh-in ceremony for the fighters will take place Saturday at the Ellipse, a park adjacent to the White House where event organizers anticipate over 120,000 visitors will view Sunday evening’s competition on large screens after receiving complimentary tickets through a lottery system.
Stunt performer Travis Pastrana is scheduled to execute a potentially dangerous backflip on a motorcycle on the White House grounds as part of the opening entertainment.
The president has described the Octagon and its Claw as “quite attractive to a lot of people.” He has even hinted that the temporary installation might remain permanently, similar to the Eiffel Tower, which he points out was initially constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair but was never dismantled.
Whether the president is serious about this proposal remains unclear.
Construction of the arena commenced May 20 and has progressed for several weeks. During a media tour on Thursday, building sounds — especially grinding and pounding — were audible. Massive cranes were moving materials overhead, though those were for the $400 million ballroom the president is constructing in the vicinity, not for the UFC event.
The remaining grass areas around the arena, on other sections of the White House grounds, have been equipped with additional lighting. However, the lawn that typically exists between the White House and the arena’s bleacher area has been removed, leaving only bare soil that will require new sod installation once the event concludes — unless the president actually decides to make the arena a permanent fixture.
A large Freedom 250 emblem has been positioned between the White House and the arena. In the area, workers removed tables and yellow umbrellas from the president’s renovated Rose Garden and were pressure-cleaning that section, along with the walkway to the Oval Office, in advance of the fights.
Sunday’s program begins at 8 p.m. ET. As evening approaches, workers will light up The Claw in patriotic colors, and the array of lights will create projections making it appear as if the entire framework is wrapped in a spinning American flag design.
Weather predictions indicate hot and humid conditions with potential thunderstorms. The bottom of The Claw’s tower includes overhead protection that should keep the fighters relatively dry if precipitation occurs — and the president will likely observe from a sheltered, covered location.
However, all other attendees would almost certainly become soaked.
White has promised that even severe lightning — when The Claw could become an obvious target for electrical strikes — would not cancel the program.
“I don’t care if it snows,” White stated.
