Source: Fortune.com
Summary
UFC CEO Dana White has stated that the company’s recent event, Freedom 250, held at the White House to celebrate President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing, will not be repeated. Despite the event’s success, with UFC surpassing its goals in every metric, White cited the high cost, logistical challenges, and weather concerns as reasons for not hosting another event at the White House. The event featured a star-spangled smackdown with pulsating patriotism, tributes to first responders and active military, and a visit by President Trump, who stayed until the end of the seven-card show.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
UFC CEO Dana White is adamant that the company will not return to the White House for another event, citing the high cost of $60 million and logistical challenges. Despite the event’s success, White stated that he “can’t afford it” and will not do it again. The event featured a visit by President Trump, who stayed until the end of the seven-card show and was seen shaking hands with fighters and wearing a “USA” baseball cap. The event also included a visit by the Marine Band and tributes to first responders and active military.
The strategy enters a familiar phase, with UFC returning to its traditional arena in Las Vegas for its next event, UFC 329, which will feature the return of Conor McGregor.
The announcement sounds familiar, as UFC has previously been dubbed “human cockfighting” and has faced criticism for its events.
The numbers tell one story, but the real story is the one Dana White is telling himself: this was a one-time publicity stunt.
