UFC White House to be watched by 'a billion people all over the world' says Marco Rubio

UFC White House will be watched by a billion people all over the world, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said.The event goes hand in hand with America's 250th anniversary of independence.A signature octagon cage has been constructed on the South Lawn of the White House, with the US administration saying the UFC would be covering the £45million cost.There will be a ceremonial weigh-in for fighters on Saturday, where organisers expect 120,000-plus visitors to watch Sunday night's proceedings on large screens. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Rubio described the event as a gift to the American people.He said: The White House is the people's house. It belongs to the people of the United States.The American 250 celebration belongs to the people of the United States.Noting the popularity of the sport, Rubio said: For them to be able to see this event with their White House in the background as part of our celebration as a country in our 250 years, I think is a gift to the American people.LATEST SPORTS NEWSWorld Cup 2026 day two: Mexico and South Korea kick off campaigns with wins, two games to comeIreland to play Israel behind closed doors overseas due to fears of protestsF1 star who was left 'heartbroken' after Monaco Grand Prix given major boostThey're going to see their White House and their capital on their nation's birthday celebrating with a historic event.We could've had a band, and we have great bands. We could've done a Shakespeare in the Park production. There's a lot of things we could have done with it, but this one will have people watching, probably a billion people all over the world.A billion people all over the world will be watching America celebrate its 250th birthday with the White House in the background, and some of the best athletes in the world in that octagon, and we're happy to be a part of that.Donald Trump has described the event as the greatest show on Earth, with seven fights scheduled on the cards.Canadian bantamweight fighter Aiemann Zahabi anticipates boos and jeers during his fight against American Sean O'Malley, a known Trump supporter.Zahabi said: It's something that's probably never going to be repeated again.It's a one-off, and you know, Trump's an eccentric guy, and you know, he loves MMA. He loves UFC... I think of it [as] just one big celebration.The card kicks off with Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje, before Alex Pereira goes up against Ciryl Gane.O'Malley competes at bantamweight against Zahabi, before a heavyweight bout between Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis.Michael Chandler faces Mauricio Ruffy, and Bo Nickal fights Kyle Daukaus in the penultimate fight.Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia will conclude the event.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter