A federal judge has declined to block a mixed martial arts event scheduled to take place on the White House South Lawn, clearing the way for the UFC Freedom 250 showcase to proceed this weekend.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta rejected a legal challenge brought by plaintiffs who argued that the event granted the Ultimate Fighting Championship an unusual commercial opportunity on federal property and raised concerns about permitting and the use of public grounds.
The lawsuit sought to halt construction and staging activities associated with the event.
The court also questioned whether the plaintiffs possessed the legal standing necessary to pursue the claims.
A focal point of the dispute was a large temporary structure known as “The Claw,” a steel framework built for the event.
The event highlights President Donald Trump’s longstanding relationship with the UFC and its leadership.
Administration officials have defended the program as a temporary public event comparable to other activities hosted on federal grounds, while critics have questioned whether a sporting promotion should be staged at one of the nation’s most symbolic public locations.
Related Tweet:
JUST IN: The White House can host an Ultimate Fighting Championship on the South Lawn this weekend, a federal judge ruled. https://t.co/WT5obAvCka
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) June 12, 2026
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