President Donald Trump's highly anticipated UFC spectacle on the White House lawn drew global attention, a towering steel cage and thousands of spectators — but many of the Hollywood stars reportedly linked to the event were nowhere to be seen. Despite reports that a host of A-list celebrities had been invited, names including Adam Sandler, Guy Ritchie and Tom Brady did not attend Sunday's extraordinary mixed martial arts showcase. Other high-profile figures reportedly invited by UFC president and chief executive Dana White were also absent. Jared Leto, Jason Statham, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Saved By The Bell star Mario Lopez were all said to be on the guest list but did not appear at the event. The no-shows became a talking point at what was billed as one of the most unusual sporting events ever staged at the White House. While Hollywood largely stayed away, several major figures from business and sport did make appearances. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg was among the most prominent guests and was seen sitting ringside throughout the event. Zuckerberg, whose relationship with Trump has reportedly deepened since the president's first term, was spotted greeting Trump and patting him on the back near the cage. Another surprise attendee was former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury. Fury made an unannounced appearance after emerging from the Oval Office wearing a red-and-white cap carrying the slogan "Donald Trump for Prime Minister." The event doubled as a celebration of two major milestones. It marked America's 250th anniversary and coincided with Trump's 80th birthday, turning the White House grounds into a unique mix of political theatre and combat sports spectacle. The administration transformed the South Lawn into a full-scale UFC venue. A ring was erected alongside seating for roughly 4,500 spectators. Towering above the crowd was a 92-foot steel cage known as "The Claw", illuminated in red, white and blue throughout the evening. The ceremony featured military pageantry as troops and soldiers saluted fighters before bouts began. UFC fighter Josh Hokit gives Donald Trump his chain Competitors made dramatic ring walks from dressing rooms inside the Oval Office, travelling through the historic corridors of the White House before entering the arena. Several members of the Trump family were present, including the president's youngest son, Barron Trump. Those seated close to the president included Dana White, First Lady Melania Trump, Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel and David Ellison, the chief executive of Paramount Skydance. Trump and White have maintained a close friendship for years, and White promised fans what he described as the greatest card in MMA history. The entertainment began with country music group Zac Brown Band. Frontman Zac Brown performed the national anthem alongside the U.S. Marine Band before the fighting got underway. Several fighters openly praised Trump during the event. Bo Nickal thanked the president for staging the spectacle and said it "takes such a special person to have the balls to do something like this." The absence of many Hollywood figures is likely to fuel further discussion about celebrity participation in Trump-linked events. It follows another high-profile setback connected to celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary. Last month, several musicians withdrew from performances at the Great American State Fair after learning the event was sponsored by Freedom 250, a Trump-affiliated organisation. At least six of the nine acts originally scheduled for the Freedom 250 concert series pulled out. Among those who withdrew were Bret Michaels, Young MC, the Commodores, Morris Day and the Time, and Martina McBride. Despite the celebrity absences, the White House UFC event still attracted major figures from politics, sport and business, delivering a spectacle unlike any previously seen on the presidential grounds. With Trump's friendship with Dana White remaining strong and America's 250th anniversary celebrations continuing, attention is likely to remain fixed on future events linked to the milestone festivities. Trump’s highly anticipated White House UFC match snubbed by A-listers A fighter at Donald Trump’s 80th birthday UFC fight took a moment at the White House to insult former First Lady Michelle Obama. UFC fighter Josh Hokit, 28, who pretended to throw up on himself during the weigh-in after claiming he was ‘drinking’, told reporters: ‘Shout out to Trump for having the balls to put some s— like this on. He added: ‘There’s only one person more incredible than the Incredible Hulk, and that’s my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” ‘And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?’ The crowd laughed as he walked away from the microphone. UFC fighter calls Michelle Obama a vile slur at Trump White House fight | News US | Metro News
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