UFC’s upcoming event on the White House South Lawn is being called one of the greatest combat sports showcases of all-time, but it’s still not important enough to attract the interest of some high-ranking celebrities.
While UFC’s White House card is arguably the coolest concept on paper it doesn’t come without issue. One of the biggest problems with hosting a seven-fight mixed martial arts (MMA) card on the White House lawn are the outdoor elements. UFC has constructed “The Claw” — which is a massive
lighting and production structure taller than the White House itself — in an attempt to help create a real fight atmosphere, but that’s not all that needs to be done. Next weekend’s card could also present UFC with a serious bug and weather issue. One that could be problematic enough to send any celebrity packing.
The second biggest issue surrounding UFC’s impending White House card are the politics surrounding the event. Whether it’s President Donald Trump’s affiliations and policies, the ongoing war in Iran, or the patriotic symbolism of the White House itself, many believe now is not the right time to stage a massive event on the South Lawn. Even some of the most high-profile fighters on the UFC roster today have spoken out in protest.
It now appears some top celebrity names are deciding to stay away from the event all together. This includes the likes of long-standing UFC fans such as Dwayne “The Rock’’ Johnson, Adam Sandler, Jared Leto and Mario Lopez. According to Vanity Fair, all four celebrities were invited to the White House card, but have since turned it down.
At least Vanilla Ice will be attendance to rock America’s socks off.
“The event is a real draw for folks looking to curry favor in Trump’s Washington and for DC’s MAGA crowd, which has delighted in the construction of a giant light fixture called “The Claw” that now towers above the White House,’’ wrote Vanity Fair’s Aidan McLaughlin. “But there is one group that may well steer clear of the event: major celebrities.’’
