Dave Davies

Are you saying that the Iranian team is not actually in the United States yet?

And I understand the State Department refused entry to certain members of the staff for the team, letting the players in but not all of the staff.

Is that right?

We're going to take another break here.

Let me reintroduce you.

We are speaking with Laura Williamson.

She is editor-in-chief at The Athletic.

We will continue our conversation in just a moment.

This is Fresh Air.

Laura Williamson, I don't know if you follow mixed martial arts much.

Not closely, but we'll go.

This is going to be quite an event here.

I mean, this structure has been built on the lawn of the White House.

And President Trump, it's going to be his birthday.

It's going to be Flag Day.

And there's going to be this ultimate celebration.

Fighting championship.

You know, American presidents have traditionally met to congratulate championship sports teams at the college level, the pro level, occasionally attend big games.

Is there any precedent for something like this?

Donald Trump has a history with mixed martial arts, doesn't he?