Special guests could pay $1.5m for UFC White House access

Some ‘high roller’ guests for the UFC’s one of a kind event at the White House on 14 June will need to fork out $1.5m (£1.1m) for special access.

That is according to respected MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, who said the packages are being dubbed “partner investment”.

“This is the offer: UFC Freedom 250, a partner welcome reception, press conference reserved seating, ceremonial weigh-ins, general admission access, Zak Brown concert access, UFC 329 floor tickets, and WWE event integration ring signage,” said Helwani.

“It’s a deck being sent out to a lot of influential people, high rollers.”

UFC sources confirmed the existence of such packages for special guests, but did not confirm how much they cost.

The promotion is set to host a show at the home of the United States president, called UFC Freedom 250, to mark 250 years of American independence.

UFC president Dana White said this week that 4,300 people will watch the event on the South Lawn, most of whom will be members of the military, while 85,000 tickets will be made available for free to members of the public to watch the event at the nearby Ellipse Park.

The UFC say no tickets will be on general sale to the public.

The show is headlined by a unification bout between Georgian-Spanish lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and American interim title holder Justin Gaethje.

In the co-main event Brazil’s Alex Pereira face Frenchman Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.

On Wednesday, the fighters met US President Donald Trump inside the Oval Office at the White House, where Topuria confidently predicted he would defeat Gaethje.

Topuria asked Trump why he wanted to give the “toughest test” to his “friend” Gaethje, with the President responding that each fighter in the room will be fighting their “toughest test” at the event.

“I have complete faith and I hope he has the same faith. That’s going to make an amazing fight,” added Topuria.

Gaethje could be seen smiling wryly during the encounter, before Trump shook hands with the fighters.

Trump also revealed commemorative red, white and blue belts which will be given to champions at the event.

The White House has hosted recreational sports and events before but the UFC’s show will mark the first professional live sporting event to take place on the grounds.

The UFC is set to spend about $60m (£44.3m) on the event.