WATCH: A sneak peak of UFC's Octagon at the White House

By — Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-a-sneak-peak-of-ufcs-octagon-at-the-white-house Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: A sneak peak of UFC's Octagon at the White House Politics Jun 11, 2026 1:19 PM EDT President Donald Trump's planned UFC fight on the White House's South Lawn has required a monumental effort from more than seven federal agencies, hundreds of staff working onsite daily and at least $60 million, according to a legal filing that offers a glimpse into the preparations. PBS News' Liz Landers took a sneak peek at the UFC Octagon at the White House. Watch in the video player above. The event is part of the 250th anniversary of America's founding, and is scheduled for the weekend with the main attraction — seven mixed martial arts matches — on Sunday. READ MORE: Lawsuit aims to block UFC fight on White House South Lawn for Trump's birthday That is, if a judge doesn't halt the proceedings, which is sought by two Virginia residents in a federal lawsuit against the National Park Service, which oversees the South Lawn. The agency filed a rebuff of the request Tuesday in court, and, in it, laid out the operations for the event. "Well over $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of labor have been expended," the document read, adding that the money came from the UFC and groups affiliated with it. The Octagon It's the eight-sided cage that surrounds the sometimes bloodied combatants and sits at the center of the constructed arena on the South Lawn. The arena is expected to hold 4,000 spectators, with another 120,000 visitors — who swung tickets from an online lottery — anticipated to watch from the nearby Ellipse. READ MORE: Trump compares White House UFC cage to Eiffel Tower, says 'maybe we'll never ever take it down' The installation began May 20, and the Secret Service worked with the UFC to screen between 20 and 30 trucks of equipment — as well as between "700 and 900" staff — that came in daily for the installation. The document did not specify the extent of government resources spent on the project, but said seven agencies, including Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration, have "allocated significant resources and manpower." The schedule It'll kick off Saturday with a ceremonial weigh-in at the Ellipse, followed by a concert by country musicians The Zac Brown Band. A UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest will be ongoing through the weekend, with "interactive experiences," live shows, celebrity appearances, "exclusive on-stage moments," meet and greets, live music and interviews with the athletes. Sunday night is when the seven bouts kick off. At the close, Trump is scheduled to fly to France for the G7 summit. Disassembly of the installations will begin the next day, and they are expected to be entirely removed by June 23. The athletes' Epsom salt baths There are 14