UFC and outspoken president Dana White have staged competitions in plenty of unique places, including the Sphere in Las Vegas and a temporary, open-air arena in the United Arab Emirates. The latest notion, however, could be UFC’s most dramatic and controversial.
A UFC spokesperson confirmed to Front Office Sports that discussions are underway with U.S. President Donald Trump to stage a mixed-martial-arts competition at the White House next year as part of celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence.
Trump disclosed plans to have the UFC fight there last week in an event attended by 20,000 to 25,000 people, adding that “we have a lot of land there. … Dana is going to do it. Dana is great. One of a kind.”
White is expected to speak in more detail soon about the developing plan, but he already has said on Instagram, “This will be epic!!!” Many of the key logistical details, though, including who will fight, who will attend, how it will work with typical White House security, and how it intersects with the rest of UFC’s competition, remain undetermined. Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has already signaled his interest in competing at the White House event.
“There’s a long way to go still,” said a source familiar with the discussions.
If completed, the UFC fights would be the first pro sports events hosted at the White House, though it has been the site of many recreational competitions over the years.
Deeper Relationship
The deepening tie between Trump and UFC, and White specifically, has been no secret. Trump has attended UFC events for years, and White has been an ardent and public supporter of the president. He introduced Trump on the final night of the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Days after the 2024 presidential election won by Trump, White told The New Yorker he wanted “nothing to do with politics.” That sentiment hasn’t entirely held form, though, and when unveiling a new boxing venture earlier this year, White said he looked forward to bringing top fighters to the White House.
“They’re fans,” White said in March of the Trump Administration to FOS. “Whenever our fighters win and they go back to their home countries, they usually meet with the president or whoever the ruler is. All over the world, people are interested in who the toughest person in the world is.”
The developing White House plans, meanwhile, prompted strong reactions in both the political and sports communities.
“Trump’s plan to stage a UFC event at the White House makes perfect sense. It is the natural climax of a partnership in which the UFC has become the stage for MAGA mythology,” wrote the U.K.-based Guardian.
