The UFC embarks on its most ambitious event in history with the upcoming White House card on June 14 and that includes the additional programming to be shown during the event.
Unlike typical UFC cards that feature promos, sizzle reels and hype videos for future fights or events, the promotion is changing its routine entirely for the UFC White House card, which takes place outdoors on the south lawn with only invited guests serving as attendees. Much like the Noche UFC event that took place inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, the UFC plans to show different vignettes during the event that celebrate America’s 250th anniversary rather than the typical promos that would usually play between fights.
“What this fight is really all about, and why we’re doing it at the White House, is it’s the 250th birthday of America,” UFC CEO Dana White told The Hollywood Reporter. “So from the first fight of the night until the main event, we will tell the story of America.
“You’ve got the far right, you’ve got the far left, and people thinking that this is going to be like some type of political thing. This is the 250th birthday of America. That’s the story that we’re going to tell. If you are American, this is relevant to you as an American. Everybody, no matter what your politics are, or any of that other bullshit.”
While further details about the programming weren’t revealed, Craig Borsari, the UFC’s head of production and chief content officer, echoed White’s comments that the UFC White House card will play out like a celebration of America throughout the televised event.
“This is a very patriotic moment for us to integrate a little bit about the history of this country, a little bit about celebrating our heroes and celebrating our independence,” Borsari said.
As of now, the UFC White House card is scheduled to air only on Paramount+ with the event kicking off at 8 p.m. ET with seven total fights taking place. Ilia Topuria battles Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout in the main event.
The rest of the broadcast plans, including the commentators working the event and other details are expected to be released in the coming days ahead of next Saturday’s card.
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