Dana White of the UFC reveals plans for a White House fighting event in 2026
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make history with a groundbreaking event on the White House grounds. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news to CBS Mornings on August 12, marking a significant milestone for the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).
The event, scheduled for July 4, 2026, will coincide with America's 250th birthday. The White House South Lawn will host approximately 20,000 spectators for this unique celebration, making it the first professional MMA event at the presidential residence.
UFC's new media rights deal with Paramount, announced hours before the event plans were shared, plays a crucial role in this historic occasion. Under this seven-year agreement, Paramount will be the new home to UFC events across the U.S., starting in 2026. The deal, valued at about $1.1 billion annually, marks a shift from UFC's traditional pay-per-view model to an emphasis on streaming via Paramount+ and select events simulcast on CBS.
The White House fight is expected to be broadcast live on CBS, showcasing the importance of the Paramount partnership and marking a milestone for UFC's media exposure and growth in the sport's history.
While the main event's specific fighters have not been announced yet, Dana White noted it was still too early to discuss the details. He is set to meet with former President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump at the end of August to finalize details and review venue renderings.
This event is not just a landmark occasion for MMA but also a unique celebration of a major U.S. milestone. Every national park battlefield and historic site in the U.S. is expected to have special events in honor of America 250, according to Donald Trump.
The UFC's billion-dollar rights deal with Paramount is set to make it more affordable and accessible for U.S. consumers to watch UFC events. Former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who previously visited the White House on St. Patrick's Day, has expressed his interest in participating in the White House UFC fight.
In conclusion, the UFC's White House event is positioned as a one-of-a-kind event that leverages the new media rights deal to broaden UFC’s audience reach, making it a memorable occasion for both MMA fans and U.S. history enthusiasts alike.
Aspects of the Event
- Event Date: July 4, 2026 (America's 250th birthday)
- Location: White House grounds, South Lawn
- Organizer Contacts: UFC CEO Dana White, Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump
- Audience Capacity: Approximately 20,000 spectators
- Broadcast Rights: Part of a new Paramount 7-year deal, streaming on Paramount+ and simulcast on CBS
- Significance: First professional MMA event at the White House; major milestone in UFC’s growth
[1] CBS Mornings [2] The Associated Press [3] Deadline
- The historic UFC event on July 4, 2026, which is set to take place on the White House grounds for America's 250th birthday, will not only showcase mixed martial arts but also serve as a significant milestone for entertainment, with CBS set to broadcast the event and Paramount + streaming it as part of their seven-year deal with UFC.
- The UFC's groundbreaking event on the White House grounds, scheduled for July 4, 2026, also marks an important moment in political news, as it exemplifies the shift in UFC's media rights deal from pay-per-view to streaming, making UFC events more accessible for US consumers.
