BBC World Service

Why is Trump hosting a UFC fight at the White House? - The President's Path, BBC World Service

Sumi, Caitríona and Bernd dig into a big week for President Trump, who is celebrating his 80th birthday — just weeks ahead of America's 250th — with UFC Freedom 250, an invite-only cage fight on the South Lawn of the White House. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM Bernd reports back from the venue, where a 92-foot structure now towers over the executive mansion, while Caitríona runs through the practical headaches: searing heat, the threat of thunderstorms, swarming bugs and a fight card slimmed down from its original ambitions. The team also unpicks the controversy — a lawsuit from local residents calling it an 'aesthetic injury', Trump's long relationship with UFC boss Dana White, and reports that UFC's parent company expects to make a hefty loss on the night. Why do it? The presenters explore the politics of Trump's sporting embrace — from NASCAR to the Knicks, where footage appeared to show him being booed (he says he received a great reception) — and whether the White House is using events like this to shore up support among young men. Then it's on to the World Cup: fans reporting visa delays and rejections, astronomical ticket prices, fears of immigration raids at watch parties, and Iran's team reportedly basing itself in Mexico. The White House insists America will be welcoming and secure — but can a global celebration of football rise above the politics, or will the controversies steal the show? 00:00 Booed or cheered? 00:24 A cage fight for Trump's 80th birthday 02:13 Heat, storms and bugs threaten fight night 04:12 Trump, Dana White and a lawsuit 08:23 Winning back young male voters 11:58 Booed at the Knicks game 15:05 World Cup nerves over visas and borders 18:55 Iran's team stuck in Tijuana 20:43 Will ICE raids overshadow the football? 23:14 Picking teams and saying goodbye You can watch more episodes of The President's Path here 👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4fNqET8NRP5nvRNKwbkZVcF ---------------- This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel. If you like what we do, you can also find us here: Instagram 👉🏽 https://www.instagram.com/bbcworldservice Twitter 👉🏽 https://twitter.com/bbcworldservice Facebook 👉🏽 https://facebook.com/bbcworldservice BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio Thanks for watching and subscribing! #BBCWorldService #WorldService #donaldtrump #ufc #whitehouse #mma