UFC Fans Defend Fight at White House

A big mixed martial arts fight happened right outside the White House this week. The UFC, which stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship, built a special fighting ring on the White House lawn. Thousands of fans came to Washington to watch their favorite fighters compete. The event was part of America's 250th birthday celebration.

Before the fights, the fighters walked past a famous statue of President Lincoln. They jogged down the steps of the Lincoln Memorial while fans cheered loudly. The crowd had to deal with lightning, hot weather, and bugs to see the show.

Tracy Philbeck and his son Levi drove all the way from North Carolina to watch. They came with friends to support their favorite fighter, Justin Gaethje. "You will hear an eagle screaming when Justin Gaethje wins," Tracy said with a laugh. David Halstead traveled even further - he came from Australia!

The UFC spent 60 million dollars on this weekend's events. President Trump called it "the greatest show on earth." But not everyone was happy about the fights happening at the White House. A group called the Public Integrity Project tried to stop the event.

Only about one out of every ten Americans likes mixed martial arts. Most fans are men, and many support the Republican party. But Ricardo Rodriguez, age 24, said not all UFC fans support Trump. He just loves how physical the sport is.

This week, UFC fighter Randy Brown visited a boxing gym in Washington. He worked out with local teenagers and kids. Gloria Lee, who runs the gym, was very excited. By the end of the visit, she even got in the ring and threw some punches herself!