The Freedom 250 Flag Day event at the White House was not just a celebration; it was a fashion exhibition, with athletes and Octagon Girls showcasing red, white, and blue. At the event, UFC Lightweight Championship contenders Ilia Topuria of Georgia and Justin Gaethje of the United States donned these patriotic colors for their bout. This event also coincided with President Trump’s 80th birthday. Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Betsy Ross might question the transformation of her flag into a costume during Sunday’s UFC match. The fight on the White House lawn marked a cultural shift. UFC, once marginalized, now occupies a symbolic space in the nation’s heart. President Trump’s politics mirror this aggressive arena, where brute force decides the victor.

The fighters’ and Octagon Girls’ outfits conveyed a distinct narrative. Masculine presence was represented by bare-chested push-ups, while feminine energy was highlighted by push-up bras. Dominance, meat consumption, and Ram trucks were celebrated. Hair spray was essential, and outward representations of these traits became a pledge of allegiance.

The event presented gender cosplay with influences from DC Comics, Alberto Vargas, and the spirit of Halloween. Fighters sacrificed personal colors for unity. Ilia Topuria, known as “El Matador,” traded red-and-gold toreador shorts for the day’s theme. Justin Gaethje’s ‘full violence’ shorts with grayed-out stars were swapped out, as was Alex Pereira’s leopard print. Credit: Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Steve Garcia, after his appearance, was seen draped in a flag, signifying the event’s overarching fashion and patriotic motif. Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images