President Donald Trump announced plans to host an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House grounds as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, next year, on July 4, 2026. The unprecedented proposal would mark the first time a professional combat sports event has been held at the presidential residence.
Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday, July 3, Trump outlined his vision for the event. “We’re going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House,” he stated, explaining that the property has substantial land available for the venue. The President indicated he expects the championship fight to accommodate between 20,000 and 25,000 spectators.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a press briefing that Trump was serious about hosting the event. A UFC spokesperson also confirmed to multiple news outlets that the organization is in discussions with the White House about hosting the event on-site.
The event would be organized by UFC CEO Dana White, who has maintained a close friendship with Trump for 25 years. Their relationship dates back to 2001 when Trump hosted the first UFC fight under White’s ownership at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. White has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s political career, introducing him at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in 2024 and appearing at multiple campaign rallies over the past eight years.
Several high-profile UFC fighters have already expressed interest in participating in the potential White House event. Former two-division champion Conor McGregor posted on social media that he would be honored to participate, writing that he was excited about the announcement. McGregor has not competed since fracturing his leg during a fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
Jon Jones, who recently announced his retirement from mixed martial arts and relinquished the UFC heavyweight championship, suggested he might come out of retirement for the event. The former champion posted on social media about fighting at the White House and announced he had re-entered the drug testing pool required for active fighters. Michael Chandler also showed interest by posting an AI-generated image of himself and McGregor facing off on the White House lawn.
Betting markets have already begun offering odds on various aspects of the potential event. BetOnline released comprehensive proposition bets, with the South Lawn favored as the most likely location at 1/2 odds. The sportsbook also created odds for potential main event fighters, with Dustin Poirier leading at 5/2 odds, followed by Max Holloway at 3/1.
Trump’s relationship with combat sports extends beyond his friendship with White. He has hosted WrestleMania events dating back to 1988 and has frequently attended UFC events over the past several years. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has attended two UFC events, including UFC 316 in June, which occurred just hours after he signed a memo ordering the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County.
The UFC has become increasingly aligned with Trump’s political brand, with the organization even sponsoring the United States’ semiquincentennial celebration dubbed America250. This partnership has granted the promotion significant political legitimacy and influence while setting it apart from other sports leagues through its conservative posture.
Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung, who previously served as the UFC’s director of communications, has emphasized how these events allow Trump to connect with voters who are turned off by traditional news outlets. The President has cultivated relationships with various fighters who have publicly endorsed him at UFC events and campaign rallies.
The proposed event represents the natural progression of Trump’s long-standing association with the UFC and his use of combat sports venues to reach specific demographic groups. The President has frequently appeared at UFC events with high-profile entourages, including appearances with Elon Musk, Kid Rock, and other supporters, consistently receiving enthusiastic receptions from the predominantly young, male crowds.
While specific details about the event remain limited, the announcement has generated significant attention within the combat sports community and political circles. The UFC indicated that more information about the White House event would be released in due time as planning progresses for the 2026 celebration.
