Crowds flock to White House Ellipse for fan event ahead of UFC fight | CNN Politics

It’s not uncommon to see the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform on the White House grounds in their Revolutionary War-era uniforms. What is unusual is to see that performance just moments after a motocross jumping exhibition. Thousands gathered on the White House Ellipse on Saturday for a festival celebrating all things Ultimate Fighting Championship, a preview of the mixed martial arts fights slated for Sunday evening on the South Lawn. Braving temperatures in the 90s, fans stood in long lines for meet and greets with UFC fighters. They waited in line to climb into a replica of a UFC “Octagon” for pictures. And they watched on a massive big screen and cheered, as motocross champion Travis Pastrana led a team of daredevils in high-flying stunts. The festivities come ahead of Sunday’s UFC fight, hosted by President Donald Trump as part of celebrations leading up to America’s 250th anniversary (and coinciding with his 80th birthday). While the fight has generated enthusiasm among MAGA allies and supporters, the expensive event is one of several personal projects drawing rebukes from Trump critics and skepticism from some Republicans. Organizers have allotted abou