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  "path": "/post/211728/rubio-state-department-ufc-deal",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-11T20:48:36.000Z",
  "site": "https://newrepublic.com",
  "tags": [
    "Breaking News",
    "Politics",
    "Marco Rubio",
    "Department of State",
    "UFC",
    "United States",
    "Donald Trump",
    "Corruption",
    "signed",
    "cage fights for diplomacy",
    "citizen exchanges",
    "wrote in a press release",
    "criticized",
    "union-less"
  ],
  "textContent": "Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UFC CEO Dana White signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday cementing a public-private partnership between the mixed martial arts company and the U.S. government.\n\nTrump will likely financially benefit from this deal due to his investment in its parent company, TKO Group Holdings. While conservative media has sold this as “cage fights for diplomacy,” the actual agreement mostly sees the UFC partnering with the State Department’s “sports diplomacy” programs at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. That program is responsible for “citizen exchanges” and other cultural events but spent more than $52 million last year—giving the UFC a major leg-up compared to other sports leagues.\n\nThe MOU also comes just three days before the UFC fight night on the White House lawn on Trump’s birthday.\n\n“UFC is the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization. As an American-founded organization, the UFC has grown into a major global sports platform, reflecting U.S. leadership in modern combat sports promotion, athletic performance standards, and international event production,” the State Department wrote in a press release. “Its events are broadcast worldwide and contribute to the United States’ broader cultural and sports influence through professional competition and athlete development.”\n\nNowhere in the press release was Trump’s investment in the UFC mentioned.\n\nWhile the UFC has certainly gained serious traction over the years, it is not without its blemishes—White has been criticized for years for making millions upon millions of dollars while his union-less, battered fighters often need second jobs to keep the lights on.",
  "title": "Rubio Signs New Deal With UFC Ensuring Trump Gets Even Richer"
}