A United States (U.S.) federal judge has dismissed a petition to stop the Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) event at the White House, scheduled for this weekend, commemorating the 250th independence day of the U.S.
The plaintiffs argued that the privately run event by Dana White-owned combat sports company cannot legally be held on the premises of the presidential residence. They argued that the event was not being held as a celebration of America’s 250th independence anniversary but to celebrate Trump’s 80th birthday.
However, the Judge Amit P. Mehta determined that two Virginia residents, who filed the bid, do not have legal standing to stop the event. Judge Mehta rejected the petition without making any ruling on the legality of fights, scheduled to be held this Sunday, June 14.
The Barack Obama appointed judge noted the potential economic losses if the fight was stopped at the last minute. He wrote, “And then there is the $60 million that the UFC and UFC-affiliated organizations have expended to put on the event. The potential loss of those dollars resulting from a last-minute, court-ordered stoppage cannot be ignored.”
UFC has already built an Octagon at the White House featuring an Iron Claw at the top of it. Earlier, Trump said that the Iron Claw might stay forever at the White House, suggesting the possibility of future events at the White House.