US selects 'fit soldiers' to attend UFC match at White House

The Pentagon selected hundreds of uniformed soldiers to watch a UFC match at the White House, requiring them to meet fitness standards.

The Washington Post reported on 29/5 that the Pentagon recently sent formal requests to hundreds of US service members, inviting them to an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts event scheduled for 14/6 on the White House lawn.

US media, citing information shared by the Pentagon in a private military facebook group, stated that only service members who were not overweight and met specific height and weight requirements would be eligible to attend.

The fitness requirement for invited service members stipulated a waist-to-height ratio below 0,55, according to CNN. Service members received free entry tickets, but were responsible for their own travel costs to the White House.

National Guard soldiers deployed to suburban Chicago, Illinois, US, on 7/10. *Photo: AP*

An unnamed army official stated that soldiers who enjoy UFC and meet army standards were given priority. According to the official, this is customary for such events. A total of 300 tickets were allocated for army personnel, with 100 tickets specifically for the Army National Guard.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the information. Davis Ingle, a White House spokesperson, referred media inquiries about ticket allocation to UFC.

"This will be one of the greatest and most historic sporting events, and President Trump hosting this event at the White House demonstrates his vision for the 250th anniversary of US independence", Ingle said in a statement sent to USA Today.

Approximately 1,200 of the 4,300 attendees for the match will be active-duty military personnel, UFC head Dana White confirmed. The event is invite-only, but large screens will be installed to allow approximately 85,000 people without tickets to watch for free.

Construction site for the UFC fighting arena at the White House, 28/5. *Photo: Reuters*

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly criticized the US military for relaxing physical fitness standards. In a speech to senior generals last year, he attacked "obese generals, admirals, and soldiers".

The White House is currently constructing a large fighting cage and 5,000-seat stands on the South Lawn in preparation for the UFC match, commemorating the 250th anniversary of US independence. The event coincides with President Trump's 80th birthday and Flag Day.

States across the US will host numerous activities to celebrate the 250th anniversary of nationhood, ranging from races to historical battle reenactments.

UFC is a mixed martial arts league where fighters compete in an octagon cage, combining various disciplines such as boxing, wrestling, jiu jitsu, and muay Thai. UFC President Dana White has a long-standing close relationship with President Trump, who previously allowed UFC to host events at his casino in Atlantic City.

White has since publicly supported Trump multiple times, speaking at Republican political events and becoming one of the closest sports figures to the US President.