Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday with the UFC to create a public-private partnership with the mixed martial arts company ahead of this weekend’s cage fights on the White House’s South Lawn.

The US government partners with UFC in a unique sports diplomacy initiative, marking a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership to enhance global mixed martial arts growth.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UFC CEO Dana White have reached an agreement to use cage fights for diplomacy, the State Department said Monday — as Iran peace talks remain in flux. The MOU was

Crews are erecting an octagon-shaped cage on the South Lawn that will host next month's UFC bout, helping mark the nation's 250th anniversary — and President Trump 's 80th birthday.

Internal messages reviewed by The Post stipulate that military personnel must pay their own ways and meet strict physical requirements to be eligible.