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Sports

How the UFC Went from ‘Human Cockfighting’ to the White House Lawn

Three decades ago, mixed martial arts had a reputation as a barbaric blood sport, earning a ban in 36 states.

President Donald Trump at the Oval Office.

President Trump meets with UFC fighters in the Oval Office on May 6. Jacquelyn Martin/AP

By Roman Stubbs

June 12, 2026 05:13 a.m.

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