Hollywood takes over the White House for UFC Freedom 250: The Rock and Adam Sandler lead star-studded guest list

The stage is set for UFC Freedom 250. The octagon and custom‑built, 28-meter tall metal superstructure installed specifically for the event is in place and the finishing touches are being added to the South Lawn in front of the White House, ready for Sunday’s big night.

UFC CEO Dana White estimates that the total cost of staging UFC Freedom 250 is close to $60 million, give or take a few dollars. Top of the bill is is the lightweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje in which the Georgian will be defending his belt. Alex Pereira has bulked up for his attempt at taking the interim heavyweight title which he will contest against Ciryl Gane.

White is hoping that a global audience of 125 million will tune in to watch the seven bouts which will be broadcast in the United States by Paramount+. A crowd of around 85,000 is expected to gather to watch the event on giant LED screens over the road in Ellipse Park.

Who will be in attendance?

Over 4,000 guests will watch it all unfold from ringside seats on the South Lawn. All attendees must have been personally invited by Dana White or President Trump. The president has invited 1,000 guests while White and TKO CEO Ari Emanuel have been allocated 200 seats each, with the remaining tickets destined to US military personnel.

Several notable personalities from the entertainment world have received invitations although not all are able to attend.

Celebs busy “washing their hair”

According to Vanity Fair, film director/comedian Adam Sandler and actors Jared Leto and Mario Lopez were on White’s guest list but their reps have informed organizers that they will not be attending.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has also declined an invitation from the UFC CEO. Vanity Fair adds: “Reps for the others did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The White House and UFC did not respond to requests for comment about the guest list”.

Other celebrities who are believed to have received an invitation include: Guy Ritchie, Tom Brady, Jon Favreau and Jason Statham.

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