Trump to Host MMA Tournament at White House for His 80th Birthday.

With a massive arena, brutal fights and millions of dollars involved, U.S.

The official $60 million show will launch celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. However, the lavish spending on a sporting event on the doorstep of the presidential residence on his birthday has sparked criticism, at a time when his war against Iran is driving up the cost of living across the United States, AFP notes.

The billionaire U.S. president does not hide his enthusiasm for this particularly brutal sport, which combines techniques and rules from disciplines such as wrestling, judo and Muay Thai. French fighter Ciryl Gane will be one of 14 competitors in the tournament.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio predicted the event would be watched by one billion people worldwide, according to PA Media and DPA.

A metal structure surrounded by floodlights and giant screens will host just over 4,000 people, about half of them U.S. military personnel, according to UFC president Dana White. More than 100,000 people are expected in a nearby fan zone.

Donald Trump, the real estate magnate who unexpectedly became president, clearly stands out from his predecessors in this regard.