United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UFC CEO Dana White are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding this week to use MMA as an instrument of international diplomacy.
According to a report by The New York Post, the agreement will create a formal partnership between the State Department and the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization.
According to the US government, the initiative is part of a “sports diplomacy” program aimed at expanding the cultural influence of the United States and strengthening international relations through sport.
The State Department highlighted that the UFC has become a global platform, with events broadcast to dozens of countries and athletes from many nationalities.
“As an organization founded in the United States, the UFC has become an important global sports platform, reflecting US leadership in the modern promotion of combat sports, athletic performance standards and international event production,” the department said in a statement.
“Its events are broadcast around the world and contribute to the broader cultural and sporting influence of the United States through professional competition and athlete development.”
The practical details of the partnership have not yet been released. However, the signing will take place just days before the “UFC Freedom 250” event, which will be held on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14. The program is part of the celebrations marking 250 years of American independence and coincides with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
The event will feature seven fights and is expected to bring together athletes from several countries. Among the most anticipated matchups are Georgian Ilia Topuria against American Justin Gaethje and Brazilian Alex Pereira against Frenchman Ciryl Gane. A temporary arena was built especially for the occasion near the White House.
The initiative draws attention for representing an unusual approach to American diplomacy, using a combat sport as a tool for international projection and cultural exchange. The announcement also reinforces the long relationship between Trump and the UFC, as well as the close ties between the president and Dana White.
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