Country star Zac Brown of the GRAMMY-winning Zac Brown Band is responding to backlash over his participation in the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, and he’s standing firm in his decision.
On Sunday, June 14, Brown will open the event with a performance of the national anthem alongside the United States Marine Band. His involvement has sparked criticism from some fans, but the Georgia native says for him, “this is patriotism, not politics.”
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Brown explained why he chose to take part.
“Man, I’m there for the troops, man. I’m there to honor America… This is patriotism, not politics for me. I mean, f*** all the division. I don’t believe in that. I love this country. I love all the people that have sacrificed so that I can live my American dream and that everyone that lives here gets a chance to do that if they work hard, make the right decisions and do that. So it doesn’t have a place in politics for me,” he stated and later pointed out, “There’s going to be 8,000 active service members that are going to be there.”
Beyond supporting the troops, Brown also shared that he’s a longtime UFC fan.
“I’ve watched every single UFC probably multiple times. It’s my favorite sport. I’m honored that Dana’s [White] given me the opportunity to do this. We’re going to be playing after the weigh-ins for the concert on Saturday and then getting to do the anthem for this with the Marine Band is going to be sick.”
The “Chicken Fried” singer added that he has already been rehearsing arrangements with the band, calling the opportunity “an honor.”
“I’m so excited for this weekend. And it’s history, man, getting to be part of American history, man. Having the first sporting event that’s on the lawn of the White House. I mean, it’s an honor.”
In addition to the national anthem performance, Brown will join Zac Brown Band for a performance at UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on Friday, June 13 for a live performance.
Earlier this month, UFC announced a limited-edition merch collaboration with Zac Brown Band in celebration of the event. The collection is available now.
The UFC Freedom 250 event takes place Sunday, June 14 at 7 p.m. CDT on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., in celebration of President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the United States’ 250th anniversary. The main card will stream live on Paramount+.
