A federal judge ruled Thursday that a UFC fighting event scheduled for the White House South Lawn this weekend may go forward, dismissing a lawsuit that had sought to halt the event. The ruling clears the path for what organizers have billed as UFC Freedom 250, timed to coincide with President Donald Trump's birthday.

The legal challenge had argued that staging a commercial mixed martial arts event on White House grounds raised questions about the appropriate use of federal property and executive resources. The judge rejected those arguments, allowing final preparations to continue for the weekend bout.

The event has drawn attention well beyond the sport's usual fanbase, given its unusual venue. Hosting a UFC card at the White House is without modern precedent, and the decision to proceed has generated debate over the norms governing use of the executive mansion's grounds for entertainment purposes.

Supporters of the event framed the ruling as a straightforward legal outcome that allows the administration to proceed with a celebrated public event. Critics, particularly those who filed the suit, expressed disappointment and continued to question whether presidential grounds should host commercial sporting spectacles.

Preparations for the fight card were already well underway at the time of the ruling, with ring setup and logistical arrangements visible on the South Lawn. The outcome of the legal challenge was seen as the final significant hurdle before the event could take place as planned.