The UFC is gearing up for a landmark event in 2026 – a UFC fight at the White House, designed to honor America’s 250th birthday. Dana White, the UFC’s president, is enthusiastic about the plans and expressed his excitement about pitching the idea to President Donald Trump in the near future.
Interestingly, the groundwork for this event was laid unexpectedly. Just a week ago, Trump made headlines with his surprise announcement, and White admitted he had no prior knowledge of the president’s intention to host a UFC event. However, he quickly embraced the challenge, stating that they had already begun coordinating logistics and layout plans for the venue. “We probably texted four or five times that day, and [Trump] never told me he was going to announce it,” White shared during a recent podcast interview.
With Ivanka Trump stepping in to oversee the preparations, White is collaborating closely with her and his team to finalize a proposal for the upcoming meeting with the president. This is a unique opportunity, and White emphasized the significance of allowing the American people to experience the White House in a celebratory context. “He wants the American people to enjoy the White House,” White said. It’s a historic venue that holds immense significance, and when mentioning the return of traditional events like Easter egg hunts, it’s evident that Trump aims to create a genuine celebration.
Of course, putting on an event at such a prestigious location will come with its own set of challenges. Security measures will be paramount, and White is well aware that hosting a fight at the White House won’t be a straightforward affair. Having partnered with the Secret Service for previous events where Trump attended, he knows the measures needed to ensure safety and enjoyment for all involved.
White painted a vivid picture of what the event might look like, emphasizing the unique experience it would provide: “Imagine the backdrop of the White House on one side and the Washington Monument on the other. It’s such a unique, bad ass experience and will likely happen only once.” While it’s unclear how many fans will be permitted to attend, White hinted that the event might lean toward an invite-only format, making it even more exclusive.
Despite being a year away, the enthusiasm is palpable among athletes, with many expressing interest in fighting on this historic card. While details about specific matchups remain speculative for now, White assured fans that they can expect “the baddest card of all time.” He acknowledged the ever-changing landscape of the UFC and promised that whatever the final fights look like, they will be nothing short of exceptional.
In an unexpected twist, the announcement triggered a rush of activity in the fighter community. Recently retired heavyweight champion Jon Jones even indicated a desire to come back into the fight scene, having begun the re-entry process into the anti-doping program. White confirmed that Jones is taking all the necessary steps towards a return and hinted at a potential matchup against Tom Aspinall, suggesting that “the dream main event right now would be Aspinall versus Jones.”
And as for other high-profile names, White didn’t shy away from acknowledging that anything is possible when it comes to potential matchups – including the fan-favorite Conor McGregor. The prospect of him sharing the stage with Jones adds another layer of excitement for fans looking forward to this historic event.
With the UFC already setting the wheels in motion for what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the White House, White is determined to meticulously orchestrate every detail, ensuring that when July 4, 2026, rolls around, it will be a spectacular celebration like no other.
