UFC Freedom 250 at White House excludes female fighters, sparking controversy over political messaging
By
Inae Oh
An everything bagel for the brain. Substantive, layered, well-seasoned.
Summary
The article examines the controversy surrounding UFC Freedom 250, a series of MMA fights hosted at the White House for President Trump's 80th birthday, which notably excludes female fighters despite major UFC events typically featuring women's matches. It explores the political and cultural implications of this exclusion, including Dana White's claim that he tried but couldn't make it work, and reactions from critics who see it as a deliberate political statement rather than a logistical issue.
Key quotes
· 2 pulledAs Kyle Green, a sociologist who writes on the intersection of sports and politics, recently told me, UFC cards for major events nearly always feature women.
Dana White says he tried but couldn't get it done. Others say, 'That's not a glitch.'
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