Just a few days before the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn, Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger proved how out of touch with reality and the common voter she is when she referred to it as a “sad lesson for our kids.” The event featured a number of big names in the world of mixed martial arts, including an explosive lightweight championship title fight between reigning champ Illia Topuria and challenger Justin Gaethje.
During an interview with MS NOW’s “The Briefing,” Spanberger said, “I think it’s you bring up the UFC fight it, and it’s just disappointing. And probably many other words to describe it. You know, you worked in the national security, in the diplomacy space at the State Department. Spanberger then said that the Freedom 250 event, designed as a celebration of America’s 250th birthday, undermined global reverence for the U.S.
“I was at CIA and to be an American overseas, to be a representative of the U.S. government, to be working to support our nation’s safety and security, I mean it meant that people looked at the United States with reverence, with gratitude because of our history of of being a stable actor, a loyal partner, and the place where, like and this is the 250th year since our Declaration of Independence and example for the rest of the world and what is possible when you build a nation based on ideas,” the governor continued.
According to Breitbart, she then said, “So the reality that there’s going to be a UFC fight at the, you know, at the White House to celebrate our 250th it’s a disconnect for me that I just think is a sad lesson for our kids.” Folks on social media outlet Facebook poked fun at the governor and brought up some insightful points about the fights and martial arts in general.
“It would be a great lesson to teach our kids that people from all political persuasions can gather for a fun time and actually have fun. Our young people have forgotten that it’s OK to laugh and enjoy life. We don’t have to walk around full of hate and rage. Life is short, so make sure to take breaks and have fun,” one user wrote on the platform.
Another commenter connected the fights to the murder of Austin Metcalf during a track meet in 2025, saying, “Maybe if they learn to keep it in the ring..it won’t have to play out in school…or at track meets!!” Someone else posted an AI-generated photo of a rather patriotic middle finger designed like an American flag, with the caption, “Here’s some sign language for you!!”
One commenter gave Spanberger an important history lesson by recounting President Teddy Roosevelt’s passion for boxing. “Did she know that Teddy Roosevelt held boxing matches in the White House and competed in them? Bet she wouldn’t have criticized him.” User Bill Jones wisecracked, “Wasn’t she [Spanberger] in the Wizard of Oz?”
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User Matt Sargent commented, “I’m not a UFC fight guy, but why not do something outside the box and have fun for those who’d like it. Can have a big estate dinner, because the ballroom isn’t big enough. Maybe she’d like to just hang out in the Oval Office like Clinton did and smoke cigars with Monica!!” Another user joked, “That is one Spamieburger!”
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video