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Polish president to visit White House for UFC event hosted by Trump

10.06.2026 21:30
Polish President Karol Nawrocki will travel to Washington this weekend and attend a UFC mixed martial arts event at the White House at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, his office said on Wednesday.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki and US President Donald Trump pose for a photo during a meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 21, 2026.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki and US President Donald Trump pose for a photo during a meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 21, 2026.Photo: Mikołaj Bujak/KPRP

Marcin Przydacz, Nawrocki's international policy adviser, said the Polish leader will take part in the UFC Freedom 250 event on Sunday, which coincides with Trump's birthday and forms part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

"The visit will provide an opportunity for talks on security and bilateral relations," Przydacz wrote on X.

He said Poland and the United States share longstanding ties based on common history, values and a strategic partnership reflected in political, economic and defence cooperation.

The UFC event is scheduled to take place on the White House South Lawn and will also mark Flag Day in the United States.

Trump, a longtime fan of mixed martial arts, turns 80 on Sunday.

According to US broadcaster Fox Sports, crews have begun constructing a temporary arena on the White House grounds. Organisers plan to install a large lighting and production structure known as "The Claw" above the octagon while keeping the White House visible in the background.

The temporary arena is expected to accommodate about 4,000 to 5,000 invited guests, including military veterans and other attendees selected by the White House and UFC.

Tickets will not be sold to the public, although organisers expect tens of thousands of fans to watch the event on large screens near the White House.

The main event is expected to feature Georgian-Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria against American Justin Gaethje.

Trump and UFC President Dana White have maintained a close relationship for years. Trump became the first sitting US president to attend a UFC event in 2019, and the upcoming fight card is believed to be the first professional sporting event ever held at the White House.

The seven-fight card is one of many events planned this year to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Other celebrations are expected to include an IndyCar race through the streets of Washington later this summer.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP