President Donald Trump is still celebrating what many supporters are calling one of the most unique events ever held at the White House.
Just one day after hosting UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn, Trump joked that the event may have been even bigger than the World Cup for some sports fans.
The president made the remarks Monday while meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Trump reflected on the historic UFC event, which featured fighters from around the world competing in front of a packed crowd at a specially constructed venue on White House grounds.
The event generated massive attention across social media and sports media, with many calling it one of the most unusual sporting spectacles ever associated with a sitting American president.
During the meeting, Trump singled out French heavyweight fighter Ciryl Gane, who scored a dramatic knockout victory during the event.
Trump revealed that he personally contacted Macron after the fight to congratulate him on the French fighter’s success.
“We had a really exciting evening,” Trump said. “I think maybe one of the most incredible evenings in the history of the White House.”
The president then delivered a humorous comparison that quickly grabbed attention.
“I called very late last night to congratulate you because a French fighter won,” Trump told Macron. “I don’t know, is that maybe more important than the World Cup? To some people it might be.”
The room laughed as Trump continued praising France’s athletes and the country’s accomplishments.
“You have a very good team in the world, very good team,” Trump said. “But you have good fighters too. You’re a great country, and it’s an honor to be with you.”
The comments capped off a remarkable weekend for the White House.
UFC Freedom 250 brought championship-level mixed martial arts competition directly to the nation’s most famous address, blending sports, entertainment, and patriotism in a way rarely seen in American history.
Supporters praised Trump for creating an event that celebrated competition, freedom, and American culture. Critics questioned whether the White House should host a major combat sports event.
Regardless of where people stand politically, the event succeeded in capturing national attention.
For many fans, UFC Freedom 250 delivered unforgettable moments. And judging by Trump’s comments, the president believes the White House event was so successful that it deserves to be mentioned alongside some of the world’s biggest sporting traditions.
Whether it truly rivaled the World Cup may be up for debate. But one thing is certain: Trump once again found a way to put the White House at the center of a national conversation.