In a groundbreaking announcement, President Donald Trump revealed plans to host an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event directly on the White House lawn. The news, initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, signals an unprecedented fusion of American politics and high-octane sports.
Dana White confirms event
UFC Chief Executive Dana White shared a video that quickly went viral on social media, confirming the historic matchup.
"The White House fight is on," White said. "I will have more details on that in the next couple weeks. But we got it done today.”
White, who has endorsed Trump in the past and spoke at the Republican National Convention, praised the president's resilience.
“I know President Trump as a fighter,” he said. “I’m in the tough guy business, and this guy is the toughest, most resilient I’ve seen in my life.”
A historic sporting event
The UFC event is scheduled for June 2026 and promises to be one of the most visually spectacular fights in history. According to The Wall Street Journal, the fight card will feature lasers, fireworks, and the iconic Octagon cage strategically positioned between the White House and the Washington Monument. Fans unable to attend in person will have opportunities to watch the fights on jumbo screens set up on the Ellipse and other nearby areas.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Donald Trump, emphasized the cultural significance of the event. “This will be one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history, and President Trump hosting it at the White House is a testament to his vision to celebrate America’s monumental 250th anniversary,” Cheung said.
Logistics and weigh-ins
In addition to the main fight, the Rapid Response 47 team shared images via Fox News, confirming that weigh-ins for the athletes will take place at the Lincoln Memorial. The event is set to feature a full fight card, making it not just a single bout but a comprehensive UFC experience at the nation’s capital.
Donald Trump’s UFC fandom
President Donald Trump has long been a fan of mixed martial arts, frequently attending pay-per-view events and often appearing near the Octagon alongside Dana White. This venture marks a continuation of his engagement with the sport, now elevated to a level never before seen in American history.
With its combination of political pageantry and professional fighting, the upcoming UFC showdown on the South Lawn of the White House is poised to attract global attention, merging the spectacle of sport with the symbolism of one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.