President Donald Trump announced plans to host a historic Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House grounds in July 2026 as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, marking what would be the first sporting event ever held at the presidential residence.
Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Trump revealed the unprecedented proposal during a speech kicking off year-long festivities for the nation’s semiquincentennial. The president indicated the UFC event would feature a championship fight with an anticipated audience of 20,000 to 25,000 spectators.
“We’re going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House,” Trump told the crowd. He emphasized that the White House has substantial land available for the event and that UFC President Dana White would handle the logistics.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a press briefing that the president was serious about the proposal, describing it as potentially epic. A UFC spokesperson subsequently confirmed to NBC News that the promotion plans to host the fight card, though detailed planning information remains undisclosed.
The announcement reflects Trump’s longstanding relationship with combat sports and UFC leadership. His connection to the organization dates back over 20 years, beginning when he hosted a UFC event at his Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City in 2001. At that time, White and his partners were struggling to secure venues for their events, and Trump provided crucial early support when few other venues would accommodate the sport.
White has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s political career, endorsing his presidential campaigns and speaking at Republican National Conventions. The UFC CEO introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, praising him as a fighter and describing their 25-year friendship. Following Trump’s 2024 election victory, White took the stage at his victory party to thank him for his support.
Trump’s frequent attendance at UFC events has become a notable aspect of his public persona. He has appeared at multiple high-profile fights, often receiving enthusiastic receptions from audiences. His first public appearance after his 2024 hush money conviction was at a UFC event in Newark, New Jersey, where he entered through the fighters’ tunnel to significant applause. He has also attended events alongside prominent figures, including Elon Musk, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.
The proposed White House event has already generated interest from high-profile fighters. Former two-division champion Conor McGregor, who has not competed since July 2021, expressed interest in participating through social media, indicating he would be honored to fight at the event. Additionally, controversial internet personality Andrew Tate, a former kickboxing champion, has publicly called for UFC CEO Dana White to consider him for the card, though his lack of recent competitive action and legal troubles may complicate any potential involvement.
The UFC’s association with Trump has provided the organization with political legitimacy and influence, setting it apart from other sports leagues through its conservative positioning. The promotion has even become a sponsor of the United States celebration, known as America250, joining major corporations like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Oracle, and Walmart.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, who previously served as UFC’s director of communications, has highlighted the strategic value of the President’s appearances at fighting events. Cheung noted that these venues provide direct access to voters who may not engage with traditional news media, offering an unfiltered connection to Trump’s base of support.
The proposed event would be part of a broader package of celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, with Trump announcing that every national park, battlefield, and historic site would host special events. He also revealed plans for a culminating festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and a separate athletic competition featuring high school athletes from across the country.
While the UFC has confirmed its intention to proceed with the White House event, specific details regarding permits, security arrangements, and logistical planning remain undisclosed. The National Park Service, which manages the White House grounds, has not yet publicly commented on the proposal. The organization indicated that additional details would be released in due time as planning progresses.