US late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has publicly ridiculed former President Donald Trump over the sponsorship details for an upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event set to take place on the White House lawn. Kimmel suggested that the choice of Monster Energy as a sponsor was a "perfect metaphor" for the Trump administration, during his Thursday episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'.
The event, titled 'UFC Freedom 250', is scheduled for Sunday and coincides with Trump's 80th birthday, as well as marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Kimmel highlighted the unusual nature of staging such an event at the presidential residence, drawing attention to a 92-foot-tall, octagon-shaped stage that has been erected on the White House's South Lawn.
During his monologue, Kimmel joked about the event's sponsor, Monster Energy drink, stating, "And could there be a better metaphor for this administration than a giant Monster Energy logo on the White House lawn?" He also quipped about one of the drink's flavours, Mango Loco, suggesting it would be a fitting nickname for the former president. Kimmel, a known critic of Trump, also made light of the stage's eight sides, jokingly connecting it to the number of years he felt the president had 'ruined' during his tenure.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the idea for the White House fights originated from Trump himself, following the UFC 309 event in New York City in November 2024, shortly after his re-election. White, a long-time personal friend of Trump, described the former president as someone who, when he suggests something, "consider it done."
The fight card for the event has reportedly received a mixed reaction from fans online, with some describing it as underwhelming. It is expected to feature a bout between Brazil's Alex Pereira and France's Ciril Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title, followed by Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria facing interim champion Justin Gaethje. The spectacle is slated to be streamed live on Paramount+ in both the United States and the United Kingdom.