On his 80th birthday, Donald Trump invites MMA and its wire cage to the White House on Sunday, transforming its lawns into a spectacular combat arena for a unique evening.
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The American president’s birthday could also coincide with the signing of an agreement on the war in the Middle East, which he himself triggered on February 28 by striking Iran with Israel.
The Republican billionaire and the Pakistani mediator said an agreement would be signed on Sunday, which Tehran has not confirmed at this stage.
In the meantime, the “claw”, an imposing metal arch 28 meters high in the colors of America, taller than the president’s residence, has taken place under the windows of the White House.
Below, sits the octagon where seven face-to-face matches will take place in the evening (from 8:00 p.m. local), under the patronage of the UFC, the powerful mixed martial arts (MMA) organization led by Dana White, a close friend of Donald Trump.
Photo AFP
This spectacle organized at the heart of political power, valued at $60 million according to the press, is raising eyebrows at a time when the war against Iran is increasing the cost of living for Americans.
The White House assures that the UFC finances the entire event.
As usual, Donald Trump, who promised “the greatest show on earth”, sees things big.
More than 4,000 hand-picked guests are expected around the cage. And up to 125,000 curious people will be able to gather in an adjacent park to follow the fights on a giant screen.
Caught by lightning?
By opening the doors of the White House wide to MMA, it is a certain idea of America that Donald Trump is putting in the spotlight.
Popular in particular among young men, an electorate who counted in his return to power, this sport embodies to the extreme his taste for uninhibited virility.
“They are the toughest people you will ever meet,” he boasted of the fighters to the New York Post.
Senior UFC official, Craig Borsari, denies mixing sport and politics. “We see this as an incredible and completely unique opportunity to celebrate this country and our athletes,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday.
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Would the UFC have set up such a project with a Democratic president? “100%,” he said.
Called “Freedom 250,” the event is part of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Rain and storms, however, are likely to spoil the party. The programming could be brought forward or delayed by “a few hours”, according to Craig Borsari.
“We will fight (…) whatever happens,” Dana White, the big boss of the UFC, said on Friday, saying he was “fed up with hearing about the weather.”
“Great fighting machine”
“We are not in politics at all” but “we have this chance to be exposed to the eyes of the world, we must seize it,” said Frenchman Ciryl Gane to AFP, describing “a very good showcase for MMA”. He will face Brazilian Alex Pereira in one of the two main fights.
AFP
“In any sport, you want the biggest platforms possible (…) It’s the biggest stage possible,” appreciates American fighter Michael Chandler.
Military bands, aerial flyovers and paratroopers are announced by the media.
The war in Iran could emerge implicitly with, according to Donald Trump, a message from the Ministry of Defense inviting American youth to “join our great fighting machine”.
The spectacle overshadows questions around the age of the president, the oldest ever elected in the United States, fueled by his makeup bruises on his hands or the moments when he seems to doze off in public. His doctor says he is in excellent health.
In a video published by his entourage during the week, the Republican president admits to being “not delighted to celebrate this anniversary”. “It’s not a number I like, but I’m here anyway. »
“He is managing his presidency as he managed his career before: like a big, flashy spectacle,” summarizes Peter Loge, head of the school of media and public affairs at George Washington University.
