I Visited the UFC White House Arena—It's Incredible! But Dana White's Concerns Might Come True at Freedom 250

THE UFC is just hours away from hosting a historic card at the White House.

Yes, the White House – the home of the leader of the free world, President – is about to hold a combat sports event on its hallowed grounds.

The UFC will host a historic card at the White House early on Monday morning Credit: REUTERS A temporary arena has been built on the South Lawn of the White House to host the fights Credit: PER HALJESTAM / SUNSPORT The incredible structure at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is currently the talk of the political and sporting worlds Credit: PER HALJESTAM / SUNSPORT I was given an exclusive tour of the incredible arena along with several of my colleagues Credit: SUNSPORT / CHISANGA MALATA

Up until this week, it still didn’t seem real that the most famous residence on the world stage would actually stage a mixed martial arts event.

Even when I landed in DC on Tuesday, it still didn’t compute that some of the best fighters in the world today will be trading heavy leather in the shadow of the Oval Office, where some of the most pivotal decisions in human history have been made.

But the reality hit home a few hours later after I hopped out of my Uber and saw first-hand the giant purpose-built star-spangled arena taking up an insane amount of real estate at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

My first glimpse of the arena, like many people’s, was from a distance and was restricted by fences and construction vehicles galore.

But I would get a view fight fans around the world would give an arm and a leg for on a sweltering Thursday morning.

It was on that Thursday morning that a select group of media members were allowed to tour the incredible structure, which is visible from several areas of the American capital.

And I was one of the lucky few to have been chosen to visit the arena, which has since gone viral on social media.

It was an early start to get to the White House, where we arrived not long after 6.20am and were given multiple once-overs by the Secret Service.

The rear of the structure is what first came into view after we underwent rigorous Secret Service checks Credit: SUNSPORT / CHISANGA MALATA We were soon greeted by the iconic rear view of the White House Credit: SUNSPORT / CHISANGA MALATA

After rigorous security checks, which weren’t at all surprising given the venue, we were allowed to proceed on our escapade to the South Lawn.

The rear of the arena came into view less than two minutes after we left security, with myself and other colleagues gasping at its size and grandiose nature.

That collective astonishment grew exponentially after we turned a corner, went up a hill and found ourselves staring at the iconic rear view of the White House.

The real awe and wonder, however, would hit myself and several others a few seconds later when we were greeted by a huge Freedom 250 banner, which would guide us into the arena.

Standing at 92 feet tall and 154 feet wide, the steel structure, named ‘The Claw’, was truly a sight to behold.

Workers were still putting the finishing touches on the arena, but the bulk of the bleachers and chairs for the 4,300 attendees were already in place.

As was the 87-foot octagon, which I raced towards and walked around after finishing being taken aback by the claw.

I was, however, equally as taken aback by the stunning view of the rear of the White House fighters will have as they trade heavy blows.

The grandiose nature of the arena really became apparent shortly after we landed on the South Lawn Credit: PER HALJESTAM / SUNSPORT The octagon, weirdly, didn’t look out of place just a stone’s throw away from the Oval Office Credit: SUNSPORT / CHISANGA MALATA

I’ve been to many an arena across the world during my 13-plus years covering combat sports.

But I can safely say the backdrop for this event, which will more than likely never be replicated, tops the lot.

Aesthetically, the arena and the cage get an A++. But the practicalities of holding an event in DC in the height of summer became clear and apparent just a matter of minutes after entering the arena.

Wind, and potentially even rain, will likely billow through it as there wasn’t, at the time, any high barriers – although that could very well change by early Monday morning.

But the biggest red flag and potential hazard was undoubtedly the heat.

It was around 8am when we finally rocked up to the arena, and it was a sweltering 27 degrees.

Now I know what you’re thinking: The fights are at night, and it will be cooler by then.

Well, if you think that, you obviously aren’t familiar with DC weather. The humidity here INCREASES as the day goes on.

And in the evening, it can sometimes be so unbearable that you find yourself drenched in sweat after taking the smallest of walks.

There is no doubt about it, the humidity will be a factor on fight night as it’ll make Ilia Topuria and Co. sweat more than they usually would.

Myself and other media experienced just a fraction of the humidity fighters will have to endure on fight night Credit: SUNSPORT / CHISANGA MALATA Rain and heavy winds will likely affect the show as there weren’t any high barriers to stop both Credit: SUNSPORT / CHISANGA MALATA

The massive spotlights on the Octagon will also increase the fighters’ perspiration levels, which could result in a slippery cage canvas.

That extra sweat will affect grappling exchanges and submission attempts, although the fans who prefer stand-up fights won’t be complaining.

All in all, the temporary arena for the White House card, which Trump has sensational ly claimed he could make a permanent fixtur e, is amazing.

It’s more than amazing; it’s actually insane how cool it is.

But, as president has long said when talking about doing outdoor shows, it comes with potential fight-affecting hazards.

The UFC’s Head of Production Craig Borsari has undoubtedly done his utmost to ensure the elements, including rain, don’t affect the outcome of the fights.

Let’s just hope that proves to be the case.

Better yet, let’s hope that the forecast for rain and lightning changes and we get the entertaining and iconic night of fights we’ve all been eagerly anticipating.