Dana White and Donald Trump have teamed up to recognise one of the standout performances from UFC Freedom 250.
The card had been a long time coming, and finally went ahead this past Sunday, taking over the South Lawn of the White House.
It proved to be an entertaining night all around, topped off by Justin Gaethje pulling off a huge upset by stopping Ilia Topuria in the fourth round.
But it wasn’t just what happened in the cage that got people talking – one moment outside of it stood out just as much.
Mike Perry has earned a title shot after his win over Sean Strickland.
Dana White and Donald Trump to award ‘fight bonus’ to the United States Marine Band
Given the scale of the event, it made sense that things kicked off with the National Anthem, performed by Zac Brown.
The United States Marine Band didn’t just play the anthem — they handled live music duties throughout, even playing walkout songs for the fighters. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
“We had an executive meeting yesterday, we’re talking about putting together all the music that they played at the White House, and Zac Brown’s rendition of Star Spangled Banner and putting it together in an album format,” White said on the Pat McAfee Show.
“The first day they were out there rehearsing, I went out there and heard them sing Thunderstruck, and it was incredible. The band is so off the charts that the President leans over to me and said ‘I’m gonna give the band a fight bonus’ and Mr President, I’m gonna match your bonus that you’re gonna give the band.”
The President left for France soon after to attend to political business while meeting with world leaders about UFC Freedom 250.
