The White House prepares for UFC event

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is heading to the White House on Sunday, becoming the first ever professional sporting event staged at the US presidential residence. About 4,300 people are expected at the invite-only mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn.

Also in the programme: President Putin’s youngest enemy; and a new memoir about Cantopop.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Jacquelin Magnay, the Europe Correspondent for The Australian; and Joshua Hammer, author and foreign correspondent.

(Photo: The White House is seen in the background as members of the U.S. Marines stand on stage at the ceremonial weigh-ins for fighters participating in UFC Freedom 250, at the Ellipse near the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 13, 2026. CREDIT: REUTERS/Nathan Howard)