Brawl at the White House: What drives Donald Trump’s UFC obsession?

Despite an endless number of problems at home and overseas, Donald Trump and his United States of America are in a celebratory mood. ­ The occasion? Trump’s imminent 80th birthday, for one. ­ There’s also the small matter of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, or “Freedom 250”, if you’re so inclined. ­ Though the actual anniversary isn’t until July 4, the White House – or more specifically, its south lawn – will play host to the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 14 with a card that isn’t quite what Trump promised some time ago. ­ Still, there will be plenty of morbid curiosity, if nothing else. ­ The event is estimated to cost the UFC around $60m (€52m), and it’s not expected to turn a profit. No big deal, the organisation and its CEO Dana White already have plenty of riches, and though White swears he isn’t political, he enjoys both a long-running friendship and professionally beneficial relationship with the leader of the free world. ­ But why is Trump so enamoured by the UFC, and the significantly more choreographed WWE, for that matter? And has he deliberately moulded himself in the image of an entertainment-focused modern-day gladiator? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by freelance combat sports journalist Philip O’Connor and by the Irish Independent’s Dave Hanratty, to look ahead to the big brawl at the White House. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.