United States president Donald Trump said on Jul. 3 that he plans to host a UFC fight on White House grounds to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
He was speaking on the eve of the Fourth of July, which is the country's Independence Day.
“Every one of our national park battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250,” Trump said at the “America 250” event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
He added: “We’re going to have a UFC fight – think of this – on the grounds of the White House.”
Press secretary confirmed Trump serious about it
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the president was “dead serious” about the plan.
A UFC official told CNN that the fight promotion is "in discussions with the White House about hosting a UFC event on site", but no additional details were available.
Trump's ties with UFC CEO Dana White
Trump has been friends with UFC CEO Dana White since at least 2001.
via White House Instagram
At the start of the aughts, White could not find a venue for a UFC fight and Trump agreed to host it at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.
White went on to be a key supporter of Trump in the lead-up to his election in 2024.
Trump chose White to introduce him at the Republican National Convention in July 2024.
Shortly after his victory in November, Trump attended a UFC fight in New York City and was cheered upon his arrival ringside.
A special video celebrating his election win was shown.
1st sitting US president to attend UFC event
Trump then became the first sitting president at a UFC event when he attended a fight in Miami in April 2025.
He also participated in the “walkout” traditionally reserved for athletes.
Not just UFC event though
Trump added during Thursday's event that the festivities for the country’s milestone birthday would also include other professional and amateur sporting events.
High school athletes will participate in what he called the “Patriot Games”.
It is touted as a televised competition led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
All photos via White House Instagram
