How to Watch the U.F.C. 250 Freedom Fights at the White House
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The White House is hosting its first-ever professional sports event, U.F.C. Freedom 250, on the South Lawn to coincide with President Trump's 80th birthday, featuring seven UFC bouts.
- The fights will not be broadcast on traditional TV but streamed exclusively on Paramount+, a paid service with around 79 million subscribers, starting at $8.99 per month.
- UFC CEO Dana White, a political ally of Trump, declined to air any fights on CBS, a Paramount Skydance platform, despite its broader reach, amidst controversy over Trump-friendly changes at CBS.
- The main card includes notable bouts such as the lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, and the interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
- The event setup features a 600-ton steel arch and an Octagon cage on the South Lawn, with a temporary arena for over 4,000 ticket holders and a free watch party planned on the White House Ellipse for up to 100,000 spectators.
