A federal judge in Washington has been asked to block plans for an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts event scheduled to take place at the White House next week. The proposed bout, known as “UFC Freedom 250,” is set to coincide with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday on June 14 and would be held inside a 92-foot-tall octagon-shaped cage, called “the Claw,” to be erected on the South Lawn of the executive residence.

Two residents of the Washington area filed a lawsuit over the weekend seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent both the event and the construction of the metal arena. The plaintiffs argue that authorization of the event by the National Park Service and Interior Department was unlawful and should be revoked. They contend that public monuments such as the White House grounds should not be used for private commercial activities. The suit also claims that the event breaches existing rules prohibiting sporting events on the South Lawn and at the nearby Lincoln Memorial, where weigh-ins are to be held. Furthermore, the construction of the large arena reportedly requires congressional approval, which has not been secured.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who is assigned to the case, requested a timetable from the parties involved to hear the emergency motion. The White House responded to the lawsuit, characterizing it as an “obstructionist, baseless, and dilatory” effort. Officials stated the UFC event is consistent with other permitted activities held on the South Lawn, as well as on the Ellipse and National Mall throughout the year.

This legal challenge adds to a growing number of disputes surrounding President Trump’s construction projects in Washington. Other pending lawsuits concern proposals to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the former East Wing of the White House and plans for extensive renovations requiring the temporary closure of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.