Beyond the octagon, the fighter walkouts and the spectacle of a UFC card on White House grounds lies another story: who gets access and what it costs. Sidney Blumenthal argues that Sunday’s event has become a nexus of political fundraising, corporate influence and presidential branding, with million-dollar donor dinners, seven-figure hospitality packages and a guest list that reads as a who’s who of Trump’s political and business network. For Blumenthal, the looming presence of “the Claw” is merely the most visible symbol of a much larger transaction.
Here’s a look at tonight’s seven-fight card (in reverse order). The first fight is expected to begin at 8pm ET, with the main event likely shortly before midnight depending on fight length and any weather delays.
Ilia Topuria v Justin Gaethje, UFC lightweight championship unification (five rounds)
Alex Pereira v Ciryl Gane, interim UFC heavyweight championship (five rounds)
Sean O’Malley v Aiemann Zahabi, bantamweights (three rounds)
Maurício Ruffy v Michael Chandler, lightweights (three rounds)
Bo Nickal v Kyle Daukaus, middleweights (three rounds)
Diego Lopes v Steve Garcia, featherweights (three rounds)
Derrick Lewis v Josh Hokit, heavyweights (three rounds)