Construction work has commenced on the White House grounds for a temporary Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon in preparation for an upcoming event scheduled for June 14. The date coincides with both Flag Day and President Trump's birthday.

Photographs taken by The Associated Press show workers assembling components of a red and blue UFC fighting ring for what has been designated as the "UFC Freedom 250" event. The temporary structure is being built on the White House South Lawn.

UFC President and CEO Dana White addressed the event in a recent interview with Time magazine, characterizing the decision to host the fights at the White House as patriotic rather than political. "You can make anything political if you want to," White stated in the wide-ranging interview published this week.

The event represents an unusual use of White House grounds for a mixed martial arts competition. Details about which specific fights will be featured and the expected attendance have not been disclosed. The UFC has not held events at presidential residences in the past.

The timing of the event on Flag Day appears to be intentional, as the holiday celebrates the adoption of the United States flag. The convergence with the president's birthday adds additional significance to the date selection for the combat sports event.