Former President Donald Trump has announced ambitious plans to host a Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on the grounds of the White House sometime in 2026. This proposed event is intended to be part of the widespread celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Speaking to supporters at a rally in Iowa on Thursday, Trump enthusiastically shared the idea. He specifically mentioned involving UFC CEO Dana White, describing him as “great, one of a kind.” Trump envisioned hosting a major championship fight attracting a significant crowd, potentially between 20,000 and 25,000 people, on the expansive White House grounds. He emphasized that this UFC event would be a “big deal” among the various professional and amateur events planned for the 250th anniversary.
The concept highlights Trump`s strong, ongoing relationship with Dana White, who has frequently shown public support for the former president, including speaking at political events and rallies.
Trump himself is a well-known attendee at numerous UFC cards, often receiving visible acknowledgment from fighters and fans alike, as seen at events like the recent UFC 316 in New Jersey.
While Washington D.C. has hosted UFC events before, staging a major sporting competition directly on the White House grounds would represent a historic first. The exact logistics of such an undertaking remain to be determined.
Alongside the potential UFC event, Trump also outlined other ideas for the American 250 celebrations, including a “Patriot Games” competition featuring youth athletes from all 50 states.
This announcement also adds an intriguing element to the UFC`s future business strategies. As the promotion approaches negotiations for a new broadcast rights deal in 2026, the possibility of showcasing the sport with an unprecedented event at the White House could serve as a unique selling point or a valuable addition to any future partnership, especially as the UFC reportedly seeks a significant increase in value for its rights.
