Exclusive UFC Event at the White House with High-Priced Tickets
Ilia Topuria (left) and Justin Gaethje (right) met US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Some tickets for the UFC's unique event at the White House next month are reported to cost approximately $1.5 million (£1.1 million), according to respected MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.
The promotion is scheduled to hold a show at the residence of the United States president on 14 June, titled UFC Freedom 250, commemorating 250 years of American independence.
UFC president Dana White announced this week that 4,300 attendees will watch the event on the South Lawn, primarily members of the military, while 85,000 tickets will be distributed free to the public for viewing at the nearby Ellipse Park.
The remaining tickets will be allocated to "high rollers" who must pay $1.5 million for a luxury package to attend the event.
"Partner investment is what it's being called," said Helwani.
"This is the offer: UFC Freedom 250, a partner welcome reception, press conference reserved seating, ceremonial weigh-ins, general admission access, Zak Brown concert access, UFC 329 floor tickets, and WWE event integration ring signage.
"It's a deck being sent out to a lot of influential people, high rollers."
has requested clarification from the UFC regarding ticketing details for the event.
Fight Card and Presidential Meeting
The event will be headlined by a unification bout between Georgian-Spanish lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and American interim titleholder Justin Gaethje.
The co-main event features Brazil's Alex Pereira against Frenchman Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
On Wednesday, the fighters met US President Donald Trump inside the Oval Office at the White House, where Topuria confidently predicted victory over Gaethje.
Topuria asked Trump why he wanted to give the "toughest test" to his "friend" Gaethje, with the President responding that each fighter in the room will be fighting their "toughest test" at the event.
"I have complete faith and I hope he has the same faith. That's going to make an amazing fight," added Topuria.
Gaethje was observed smiling wryly during the encounter before Trump shook hands with the fighters.
Trump also unveiled commemorative red, white, and blue belts that will be awarded to champions at the event.
Significance and Investment
The White House has previously hosted recreational sports and events, but this UFC show will be the first professional live sporting event held on its grounds.
The UFC is expected to invest approximately $60 million (£44.3 million) in the event.
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