16/06/2026 16:04 - Internacionales
Un gran octágono metálico de combate de artes marciales mixtas iluminado con luces brillantes en los jardines de la Casa Blanca bajo la noche, con el icónico edificio blanco de la residencia presidencial de Estados Unidos visible al fondo.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, turned 80 years old this Sunday, June 14, 2026, marking the occasion with a historic spectacle: a full Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on the South Lawn of the White House.
The day was high-intensity for the president. In the early hours, the peace agreement with Iran was announced, ending more than 100 days of conflict and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil flows. Later, he headed to the massive octagon set up specifically for the occasion.
Trump exited the Oval Office alongside Dana White, the head of the powerful mixed martial arts organization and a personal friend of the president. They walked toward the giant octagon baptized as "The Claw", a 28-meter high structure that overshadows the White House residential building.
Before taking his place ringside, flanked by his wife Melania Trump and Dana White, the president saluted from the historic Truman Balcony as the national anthem played and 12 military aircraft flew over the gardens.
Rain delayed the start of celebrations for the oldest president in US history. The event, named "UFC Freedom 250", was part of the festivities for the country's 250th independence anniversary, coincidentally scheduled on Trump's birthday.
Brazilian Diego Lopes knocked out American Steve Garcia in less than three minutes. Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria, a current star of the competition, headlined the main event against American Julian Gaethje for the lightweight title. In the co-main event, Brazilian Alex Pereira faced French fighter Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title.
Critics of the president attempted to ridicule the choice of celebrating with UFC fights at the White House, viewing it as a degradation of the presidential residence. However, Trump maintains a long-standing relationship with the organization and Dana White dating back to the 1990s.
The event took place in a delicate political context: on the same day, Trump announced the "immediate and permanent" end to all military operations against Iran. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, following a US and Israel offensive that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and regional countries, in addition to closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump, who had promised the war would end in five weeks and lead to a regime change in Iran, was forced to negotiate an exit due to escalating gasoline prices ahead of the November midterm elections.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
