Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Trump is planning to celebrate his birthday with a massive UFC fight at the White House. Two Virginians have sued to stop the fight - but its not looking good (and anyway, the arena is already up on the lawn). What is up with the president and combat sports? How is MMA and UFC complicit in propping up his reputation, esp among young men?

How Donald Trump rearranging the White House lawn to accommodate a UFC fight neatly mirrors the way the organization and its parent company have reshaped themselves around the president.

Guest: Luke Thomas, MMA journalist and host of the Morning Kombat podcast. 

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Podcast production by Evan Campbell, Madeline Ducharme, Patrick Fort, Rob Gunther and Paige Osburn. 

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