Trump announces plans for a UFC event on the White House grounds in the upcoming year
In a thrilling announcement made during a speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday, President Donald Trump revealed plans to host a UFC mixed martial arts fight at the White House grounds in 2026. The event, part of a series of special celebrations for America250, will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The UFC has confirmed its collaboration, with UFC CEO Dana White, a close friend of Trump, taking the reins in organizing the fight. Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has also expressed interest in participating.
President Trump described the event as a "championship fight, full fight" with an estimated audience of 20,000 to 25,000 spectators. The UFC fight does not yet have a confirmed name.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the president is "dead serious" about the idea. The event is one of several that Trump mentioned in his speech, which also included a "Great American State Fair," a National Mall celebration, and an athletic competition called the "Patriot Games."
The UFC has a long-standing relationship with Trump, dating back to 2001 when his Trump Taj Mahal casino hosted the mixed martial arts enterprise. Trump is also close with UFC CEO Dana White, who helped introduce him at last summer's Republican National Convention and took the stage at his election night victory party.
The federal government is planning a year's worth of events for America250, with the UFC fight being just one of many. The White House grounds may pose a challenge for accommodating such a large number of spectators, but details are yet to be finalized.
Joe Walsh, a senior editor for digital politics at our News, covered the event. The UFC fight at the White House is expected to be a highlight of the America250 celebrations, promising a "wild time" for all involved.
[1] White House Announces UFC Fight at White House in 2026 for America's 250th Independence Anniversary. (2025, July 3). Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/news/2025/07/03/white-house-announces-ufc-fight-white-house-2026-americas-250th-independence-anniversary/
[2] Trump Plans UFC Fight at White House in 2026. (2025, July 3). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/03/entertainment/trump-ufc-white-house-2026/index.html
[3] UFC to Collaborate with Trump for Fight at White House in 2026. (2025, July 3). Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/33454753/ufc-collaborate-trump-fight-white-house-2026
The UFC-Trump collaboration for a mixed martial arts fight at the White House in 2026 is a notable development in the world of politics and sports, making breaking news across various media outlets. The fight, part of the America250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, will undoubtedly draw significant interest from both news enthusiasts and mixed-martial-arts fans alike.
