UFC Freedom 250 beginning to take shape at White House. See photos

Preparation for the White House cage match is already underway.

Crews have begun work for UFC Freedom 250, including a temporary arena on the White House's South Lawn, weeks ahead of the June 14 fight card, per photos obtained by USA TODAY.

Thousands, including President Donald Trump, will gather to witness the epic showdown.

"It's never going to happen again," Trump told reporters from the Oval Office in early May. "It's never happened before. And it's all of the best fighters. And it's going to happen right in front of the White House."

The setup for the upcoming spectacle features "the claw," a massive lighting and cover structure that was built in Europe and shipped to the United States specifically for the UFC Freedom 250.

Dana White, UFC CEO and a close Trump ally, has denied claims that the event is politically motivated, and instead said it's a patriotic celebration.

“You can make anything political if you want to,” White said during an interview with Time published on May 26. “I love this country like anybody on the left loves this country. I love this country like anybody on the right loves this country.”

The pair are close friends, with White speaking at the 2016 and 2020 Republican National Conventions. Trump also accompanied White to several UFC fights.

When is the White House UFC fight?

The UFC Freedom 250 cage match event takes place Sunday, June 14, which is also Trump's 80th birthday and Flag Day. The UFC fight is part of the administration's yearlong celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.

Who's on the fight card?

The fight card features multiple UFC fighters, including:

• Sean O'Malley − a bantamweight
• Ilia Topuria − the UFC lightweight champion
• Justin Gaethje − Interim UFC lightweight champion 
• Aiemann Zahabi − a bantamweight
• Alex Pereira − a light heavyweight
• France's Ciryl Gane − a heavyweight

Where to watch the White House UFC fight

Fans will be able to watch the fight on screens set up at The Ellipse, an oval-shaped park located just south of the White House.

UFC fans can stream the main card exclusively on Paramount+. Tickets are not available for the event.

Contributing: Kristie Ackert, USA TODAY.