Cranes, barriers, and other heavy equipment have already moved onto the South Lawn for the UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 as preparations continue for what could be one of the most outright bizarre events in combat sports history. And as expected, the photos instantly went viral on social media because they gave fans their first actual look at how the project was coming together.

One of the biggest talking points was a series of massive arch-shaped structures spotted above the White House’s south facade. Trust us when we tell you that they looked more like something from a theme park than part of a UFC venue.

The visuals only added to the surreal nature of the entire event. On one side of the White House complex, work on Donald Trump’s planned ballroom continues. On the other hand, the redesigned Rose Garden area has already drawn massive attention for how posh it already looks.

In the middle of it all, construction workers are now building a massive octagon where fighters will go one-on-one to entertain us all. Since President Donald Trump first floated the idea last year as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, it has evolved into a full-fledged UFC card.

The big-name headliners are the two championship bouts: a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, and an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.

Meanwhile, the rest of the card, featuring names such as Josh Hokit, Derrick Lewis, and Sean O’Malley, only adds to the hype.

So, it was no surprise that the released photos caught the attention of fight fans. But unlike what must’ve been expected by the POTUS, Dana White, and the UFC, not every fan was all excited about the upcoming event.

Fans are divided over the upcoming UFC White House event after the construction update

The photos immediately sparked excitement among many fight fans. “America, That’s legit insane!! I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime, a full-on UFC Octagon going up on the White House lawn,” one fan wrote.

Others added, “It’s actually happening,” ” This is peak America,” “I can’t wait,” and “This is going to be absolutely wild.”

Some fans viewed the event as a once-in-a-lifetime moment for both sports and American culture.

“Love this, mate! Stoked, this is historic,” one supporter posted.

Another wrote, “The White House just leveled up the party scene. Who knew politics and UFC would mix like this?”

Others praised the symbolism behind the project, with one fan commenting, “If they’re putting an Octagon on the South Lawn, you know this isn’t just a photo op; it’s a full-on statement.”

Not everyone was impressed, however. Many questioned whether a UFC event should be taking place on government property while many Americans continue dealing with economic concerns.

“This is supposed to help Americans pay their bills how?” one fight fan wrote.

Another added, “Fix the economy!!!! Ridiculous.”

Similar comments flooded social media, with one user posting, “This is stupid. 3.8% inflation, $5 gasoline, but let’s tear up the White House lawn and put on an MMA fight. So out of touch.”

The debate highlights why UFC Freedom 250 has become such a hot topic. Some fans believe it is the pinnacle of American sports spectacle, unlike anything seen in combat sports before. Others see it as a costly event that diverts focus from more pressing issues.

Regardless, the work is already underway. Cranes are on the lawn, the arena is beginning to take shape, and with less than two weeks until fight night, the UFC’s White House event is happening whether people are excited or not.