UFC to host first-ever White House fight next year, CEO Dana White says
By JACOB WENDLER
08/12/2025
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/12/ufc-white-house-july4-fight-00505297
The Ultimate Fighting Championship will host a fight at the White House on July 4, 2026, UFC CEO Dana White told CBS News on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump teased the possibility of a UFC fight on the White House grounds last month at an event kicking off a yearlong celebration for the United States’ 250th birthday, which will include events across the country.
White said he spoke with Trump about the plans Monday night, and that an in-person meeting is planned for later this month. Trump reached out to White about the fight and delegated planning to his daughter Ivanka Trump, White said.
“It is definitely going to happen,” White said on “CBS Mornings” Tuesday. “Think about this. ... July 4th, 250th birthday of the United States of America, live from CBS from the White House.”
A person familiar with the White House’s planning said it expects to host the fight on July 4 of next
White and Trump have long enjoyed a close relationship: Trump was an early supporter of the fighting league, hosting a UFC fight at his Atlantic City casino in 2001, and White has been a vocal supporter of the president’s political ambitions.
White also introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention and spoke at Trump’s October rally at Madison Square Garden.
The plans come on the heels of a multibillion-dollar streaming deal between the UFC and CBS and Paramount+, giving the network extensive television and streaming rights. Trump and his administration had previously scrutinized Paramount amid its merger with Skydance.