MMA Show for 250th US Birthday: Pentagon Demands Strict Body Measurements from Soldiers

Pentagon's Requirements for Participation

According to information from the Washington Post, the US Department of Defense has actively sought soldiers in all units who could attend the event in uniform. The prerequisite, according to the report, is that the respective military personnel have passed the prescribed fitness tests. Hundreds of soldiers are expected to attend as spectators in uniform.

Additionally, soldiers must meet certain body measurements. The waist-to-height ratio must not exceed 0.55. CNN reports, citing data from the Cleveland Clinic, that for an average US male height of 1.75 meters, this corresponds to a maximum waist circumference of 94 centimeters.

Specific Waist-to-Height Body Measurement

According to the organizers, the requirements are intended to ensure that the soldiers attending in uniform appropriately represent the armed forces. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly emphasized in the past that he does not want to tolerate "fat soldiers" in the ranks – a stance reflected in the current criteria.

Furthermore, soldiers must be genuine fans of MMA to be allowed to participate in the event. Another hurdle exists: they must pay for their travel to Washington D.C. and their accommodation on site out of their own pockets. This means the participating military personnel will bear a significant portion of the costs themselves.

Reaction and Open Questions

When contacted by CNN, the US Department of Defense did not comment on the attendance requirements. A statement on how many soldiers meet the criteria or what exact costs will be covered was also not provided.

The combination of a major combat sports event, uniformed military presence, and a symbolically charged venue gives the 250th anniversary of US independence an unusual setting. In this form, the combination of a fighting arena, political staging, and a public birthday celebration on the White House grounds is unprecedented.