It is truly surreal to follow MMA nowadays.
In an unprecedented move, the United States government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the UFC “to enhance sports diplomacy initiatives and collaborate on the global growth of mixed martial arts.”
According to the release, details of what the above means will discussed later.
Barring a last minute legal Hail Mary, the UFC will host an MMA card on the lawn of the White House. Its worthy to note that this agreement allows for a for-profit company to benefit from a relationship with the US government. Not only is it receiving unprecedented publicity for holding its event on the White House lawn, it is selling packages of over $1 million for access to the event. The administration has worked with the UFC allowing it to handle the media relations on Sunday and allowed the company to take over portions of the White House.
The president has a personal stake in the UFC’s parent company, TKO. Thus, a direct conflict exists and has not been scrutinized by any branch of government.
Also, not to mention TKO is supporting legislation that would change the Muhammad Ali Act to cater to the company’s newest venture, Zuffa Boxing. Do we think that this will be denied when voted on by the Senate?
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