White House to Host MMA Event in 2026, According to UFC Chief Dana White
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced plans for a historic event on America's 250th birthday. The proposed fight night will take place on the White House south lawn, marking the first professional mixed martial arts event at the presidential residence.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the event, scheduled for July 4, 2026, stating it is "definitely going to happen." White will meet with President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump later in August 2025 to finalize details and review venue renderings.
The main event for this one-of-a-kind occasion has not been announced yet. However, White has spoken to the U.S. President about the event and noted that it is still too early to discuss a potential main event.
This event is part of a broader shift for UFC as it finalizes a landmark seven-year streaming rights deal with Paramount, starting in 2026. The deal, valued at approximately $1.1 billion annually, moves UFC away from its traditional pay-per-view business model towards streaming on Paramount+ with select events simulcast on CBS.
The Paramount deal is a significant milestone for UFC, according to White, as it will make UFC amongst the biggest sports in the world. This deal will allow Paramount to exclusively distribute 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights on Paramount+, making UFC events more affordable and accessible for U.S. consumers.
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has previously volunteered to take part in the proposed UFC fight at the White House. McGregor visited the White House on St. Patrick's Day, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
This event represents both a historic first for professional MMA and a major media rights milestone for UFC. The exposure provided by Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for UFC athletes and fans.
