Happy Birthday, Mr. President: Fighter Jets and Cage Matches Inside the White House

Fighters Walk Out of the Oval Office

The event, attended by thousands of invited guests including members of Congress, administration officials, and military personnel, featured seven professional MMA fights. In a bizarre twist of stagecraft, the fighters made their walkouts directly from the Oval Office toward the outdoor cage.

In the main event, American fighter Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria after four brutal rounds that left the canvas stained with blood. Following the final bout, the president entered the cage to shake hands with the competitors before the crowd witnessed a massive fireworks display that lasted past 1:00 a.m.

Dana White praised the production as a once-in-a-lifetime, incredible event.

Commercializing the White House Sparks Backlash

The celebration was not without its detractors. The unique production drew sharp political criticism and sparked protests outside the White House gates.

Demonstrators gathered with signs criticizing the choice to host a commercial sporting event on historic government property. Critics argued the event was a blatant misuse of state resources and a form of administrative corruption, designed to glorify the president's birthday under the guise of a national holiday.