Donald Trump has hinted that the massive UFC arena being constructed on the White House lawn could become a permanent fixture, comparing the project to Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower.
The president stunned MMA fans after suggesting that the giant Octagon being built for UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 might not be removed once the final bell rings.
Speaking in a social media video, Trump pointed to one of the world's most famous landmarks as inspiration for why the structure could remain standing long after fight night.
"In 1889, the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be taken down immediately after the World's Fair," Trump said.
"They decided to leave it up a little longer and longer and longer. Well, they never took it down."
He then turned his attention to the enormous UFC installation rising on the South Lawn.
"We're building something in front of the White House that's quite attractive to a lot of people," he said.
"It's going to have the big UFC fight on June 14 and I'm looking at it and maybe we'll never, ever take it down."
Whether Trump was joking or floating a genuine proposal remains unclear, but the comments immediately ignited debate online and added another layer of intrigue to what is already being billed as one of the most unusual sporting events in American history.
The event, known as UFC Freedom 250, will take place on June 14 and forms part of celebrations surrounding America's 250th anniversary. The date also happens to coincide with Trump's 80th birthday and Flag Day.
Construction crews have spent weeks transforming part of the White House grounds into a temporary combat sports venue capable of hosting thousands of spectators.
Renderings released by the UFC show an elaborate open-air arena featuring a towering steel arch known as "The Claw" suspended above the famous eight-sided cage. UFC CEO Dana White has previously said the venue was specifically designed so television cameras can capture both the White House and the Washington Monument in the background.
The spectacle is expected to attract more than 4,000 invited guests, including military personnel, political figures, celebrities and major UFC personalities. Reports have also suggested a larger viewing area and fan festival will operate nearby to accommodate tens of thousands of additional visitors.
As for the action inside the cage, UFC officials have assembled a blockbuster card headlined by a lightweight title clash between undefeated champion Ilia Topuria and fan favorite Justin Gaethje. Former middleweight champion Alex Pereira is also scheduled to face Ciryl Gane in a high-profile heavyweight showdown.
Trump has long enjoyed a close relationship with the UFC and its president Dana White, frequently attending major events and receiving loud ovations from fight fans.
Now, however, the president appears determined to take that relationship to an entirely new level by bringing one of the world's biggest combat sports promotions directly to America's most famous address.
The possibility that the giant Octagon could remain on the White House grounds indefinitely has already sparked a mixture of amusement, disbelief and criticism.
For supporters, it would be another bold symbol of Trump's unconventional presidency.
For critics, the idea of a permanent UFC structure standing outside the White House represents yet another break from centuries of tradition.
Either way, if Trump gets his wish, the South Lawn could soon have something in common with Paris: a structure that was supposed to be temporary but never went away.