Our own royals were always quite the fans of blood sports.
That's if it's "sport" when it's not byween willing, evenly matched participants.
Russian interference in U.K. politics
Good Morning Tuesday 13th October 2026
I have just seen on the News that Trump has had erected a cage surrounded by seats for a Cage Fighting event to celebrate his 80th Birthday and their 250th Independence Day.😳
I’ll be 80 in September and our son is taking the Family to the Aquarium in Brighton near his home to celebrate.
Any other GNetters 80 this year ?
Our own royals were always quite the fans of blood sports.
That's if it's "sport" when it's not byween willing, evenly matched participants.
Typical Trump !! Sums him up .
Magenta8
I stand corrected. I had seen pictures of cage fights where the women were in little bikinis. These women will be in costumes that are low cut, tight, short but not too revealing.
Well, I assume those are the costumes they will be wearing - but who knows, they might change half way through the event.
I still don't think cage-fighting represents America's 'fighting' spirit, but what do I know about such matters really!
AI's take when I asked it for the American public's reaction is:
A Divided Spectacle: The decision to host UFC Freedom 250 at the White House has polarized the public. Critics view a $60 million blood-sport spectacle on the presidential lawn as gaudy or "kitschy". Conversely, supporters view it as a thrilling celebration of American grit and entertainment culture.
The "Niche" Blockbuster: While it brings in massive revenue, it does not have the universal, multi-generational family appeal of the NFL (American football) or NBA (basketball). Its core demographic leans heavily toward younger males.
"Its core demographic leans heavily toward younger males"... maybe it was young Barron's idea?
There's also going to be a high-speed street race featuring sports cars tearing directly through the streets of Washington, D.C., and around the National Mall
But I suspect the World's Largest Fireworks Display will have massive intergenerational appeal, and is definitely family-fun!
Rain is forecast. Possibly thunderstorms.
That should dilute the intense humidity.
And then there are the bugs.
Such fun.
Dickens
Magenta8
I have just read that there will also be The Octagon Girls who are girls in their teens and early twenties who will be parading round in very skimpy costumes based on the flag of the USA. Classy!
I believe these are the outfits/costumes... not too skimpy?
I guess it's so very different from the way we do these kinds of events. In the USA, it's all about razzmataz whereas we understate, I think.
pbs.twimg.com/media/HKeoPLMXEAAFbdn.jpg
I stand corrected. I had seen pictures of cage fights where the women were in little bikinis. These women will be in costumes that are low cut, tight, short but not too revealing.
I don't think Trooping the Colour could be described as "understatement" but I do take your point about razzmatazz.
Mrs Trump is often busy elsewhere, I understand.
These are the models/women who walk round the cages (octagons) holding up the number of the next stage of the fight.
I don't think they will do any dancing.
Yes Dickens exactly like the old F1 models draped on cars. Surely game/match info - such as the next or last stage works in football, tennis and baseball for example no need for anyone to do this anymore.
I wonder what Mrs. Trump thinks of it all?
Wyllow3
That is quite gross: they are like painted dolls to please men. Misogyny kicks in - these are his infantile fantasy creatures.
Don't they have the Cheerleaders, Pom Squads, etc at sporting events too, over there?
Formula One used to have the 'grid girls' but eventually this was abandoned. In the days of Michael Shumacher, I was an F1 fan, but these girls parading around used to irritate me because it was so sexist - the principle that young women were only good for decoration, not the serious stuff of actually motor-racing.
But, as long as women collude in their own role as 'decoration' rather than participant - and they do - this tradition will continue.
I'm not in the least surprised that these 'showgirls' will be prancing around for the 250th anniversary...
He is the weirdest man. What next ? Gladiators and lions ? He would have been about right in those times , maybe Goliath?
That is quite gross: they are like painted dolls to please men. Misogyny kicks in - these are his infantile fantasy creatures.
Magenta8
I have just read that there will also be The Octagon Girls who are girls in their teens and early twenties who will be parading round in very skimpy costumes based on the flag of the USA. Classy!
I believe these are the outfits/costumes... not too skimpy?
I guess it's so very different from the way we do these kinds of events. In the USA, it's all about razzmataz whereas we understate, I think.
pbs.twimg.com/media/HKeoPLMXEAAFbdn.jpg
I have just read that there will also be The Octagon Girls who are girls in their teens and early twenties who will be parading round in very skimpy costumes based on the flag of the USA. Classy!
I like cage fighting.
Not doing it; watching it.
Not very dignified, though, for the orange man.
Magenta8
Trump has stated that the (all male) cage fighting celebration of his 80th birthday and USA's 250th anniversary is a tribute to "America's fighting spirit."
This from the man who dodged the draft five times.
This from the man who dodged the draft five times.
And who has, allegedly, made some very disrespectful and spiteful comments about some who did serve their country.
I don't think "America's Fighting Spirit" means what he thinks it means...
Those who join the armed forces appear to be proud to serve their country. Not sure that's the spirit behind cage-fighting - but maybe it's changed from the initial no-holds-barred spectacle it used to be in its infancy and will be simply a fine demonstration of martial-arts skills?
I think I prefer the Trooping of the Colour.
Trump has stated that the (all male) cage fighting celebration of his 80th birthday and USA's 250th anniversary is a tribute to "America's fighting spirit."
This from the man who dodged the draft five times.
I will be eighty next Friday. We are hoping to organise a trip to Kew in the school holidays to see the Henry Moores.
Oh Sarnia you did make me laugh 😹
A very happy birthday Shysal for Monday. 🥳
One of my closest friends is 80 on Tuesday.
I can’t imagine I will reach 80 in September. I don’t want to be an old person. My friend will be 100 in November and has all her faculties other than being a bit wobbly.
Mr Soda & I are both 80 this year. Celebrating with a family meal, the family wanted to host a big event for us but it would just have been too much. We will enjoy a meal with them in our favourite restaurant much more.
Nothing Trump does would surprise me now. He seems to sink lower each day.
AGAA4
On eightieth birthdays people celebrate by doing things they enjoy. Trump enjoys seeing two bloodied men in hand to hand combat. Says it all really.
Are we sure it’s men? …….
glammagran
*Sarnia*, your comments made me laugh out loud. 🤣
Glad you had a chuckle. I agree with your remarks about cage fighting on the White House lawn too. Very classy. 
Sarnia, your comments made me laugh out loud. 🤣
A cage fighting extravaganza on the White House lawn to celebrate the 80th birthday of the POTUS. How very tastefuL. Not. Sums him up really.
Sarnia
I wonder what sort of present is suitable for Trump?
A weeks cruise along the Straits of Hormuz?
A front row seat on SpaceX's next rocket launch?
A refereeing course in Somalia?
A camping trip to Cuba in a 2 man tent with Kim Jong-Un?
One way ticket somewhere totally deserted and horrible!
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