The Pentagon is reportedly searching for hundreds of military service members to attend President Donald Trump’s upcoming UFC event on the White House lawn, but according to a new report, those selected will be expected to meet specific physical fitness standards and cover their own travel expenses.
According to The Washington Post, Defense Department officials have circulated communications across multiple military branches in recent days in an effort to identify troops who can participate in the June 14 event, which has been dubbed “UFC Freedom 250.”
The event is part of broader celebrations tied to both America’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 80th birthday. Preparations are already underway on the White House South Lawn, where the fights are expected to take place.
The Post, citing internal memos and individuals familiar with the effort, reported that military officials are focusing their search on junior enlisted personnel and junior officers. The communications reportedly outline several eligibility requirements, including compliance with current physical fitness standards.
One Air Force memo cited by the newspaper stated that eligible personnel “MUST MEET CURRENT WAIST-HEIGHT RATIO and current physical fitness standard.” Those selected would also be expected to attend the event wearing short-sleeve dress uniforms.
The fitness requirement appears to be a significant part of the selection process. Another internal communication referenced in the report specified that participants must maintain a waist-to-height ratio of less than 0.55.
The search for attendees has reportedly been described within military channels as a “quick-turn tasking,” reflecting the relatively short timeline before the June event.
One message posted on Facebook and referenced by The Washington Post emphasized that tickets should go to “genuine UFC fans” rather than being reserved primarily for senior leadership or other distinguished visitors. The message reportedly stated that “tickets must be distributed to genuine UFC fans, not solely to high-ranking DVs,” using military shorthand for distinguished visitors.
The communication also encouraged military commands to nominate personnel from outside the National Capital Region, commonly referred to as the NCR, which encompasses Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. The effort appears designed to broaden participation beyond troops already stationed near the nation’s capital.
One aspect of the plan that may draw attention is the handling of travel expenses. According to the report, attendees will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to the event.
The Post noted that travel would be “member-procured,” meaning service members would not receive government-funded transportation for attendance. That requirement could prove particularly significant because the targeted audience consists largely of junior troops, who occupy the military’s lowest pay grades.
The report did not indicate how many service members have volunteered or been nominated so far, but officials are reportedly seeking hundreds of attendees from across the armed forces.
Pentagon spokesman Joel Valdez declined to comment on the effort when contacted by The Washington Post. The UFC also did not immediately respond to questions from the newspaper regarding the event and the reported military outreach campaign.
As planning continues for the June 14 gathering, the reported recruitment effort highlights an unusual intersection of military participation, public celebration, and professional sports. While the event is intended as part of a national milestone marking America’s 250th anniversary, the report suggests that attendance opportunities may come with both fitness requirements and personal financial obligations for the troops selected to take part.
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