A potential UFC event could be held at the White House in the future.
During a rally held in Iowa on Thursday, former President Donald Trump disclosed his intention to host a UFC competition on the grounds of the White House sometime in 2026. This event is envisioned as part of broader plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States.
“Does anybody watch UFC?” Trump asked the crowd. Referencing UFC CEO Dana White, he added, “The great Dana White. We’re going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. Dana’s going to do it. Dana’s great, one of a kind. We’re going to have a UFC fight, a championship fight, like full fight, 20, 25,000 people and we’re going to do that as part of 250 also.”
He further commented on the scope of the anniversary events, stating, “We’re going to have some incredible events. Some professional events, some amateur events but the UFC fight’s going to be a big deal, too.”
This announcement is consistent with Trump`s close relationship with Dana White. White has publicly supported Trump on multiple occasions, including appearances at the Republican National Convention and campaigning during the 2020 election cycle.
Trump is a frequent attendee at many UFC events. Recently, at UFC 316 in New Jersey, several athletes were seen interacting with the former president who was seated cageside.
While Washington D.C. has hosted UFC events previously, holding a major professional sporting event directly on the White House grounds would be a first. Specific details on how such an event would be managed were not provided, though the UFC`s official Instagram account shared a clip of Trump`s announcement.
Among other ideas for the American 250 celebrations, Trump also mentioned the `Patriot Games,` a proposed event that would involve young athletes from all 50 states competing against each other in various disciplines.
Trump`s suggestion also adds an interesting dimension to the UFC`s current situation, as the company is set to negotiate a new broadcast rights deal in 2026. The prospect of showcasing the first-ever sporting event at the White House could potentially enhance the value and profile of the UFC in these upcoming partnership discussions. Reports indicate the promotion is seeking a significant annual sum, potentially around $1 billion, for the new deal.
