The UFC plans to host a fight card on the White House grounds, a spokesperson for the promotion confirmed to NBC News on Friday. Further details were not available, but President Donald Trump said he would like it as part of a celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
“We’re going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House,” Trump said in Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday. “We have a lot of land there.”
He said he expects the card to include a title fight in front of 20,000 to 25,000 people.
“Every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight,” Trump said.
It’s not clear how far along planning for the event is — or how definite it is that it will happen — and the UFC spokesperson said more details would be released “in due time.”
Former two-division champion Conor McGregor, who has not competed since July 2021, said on social media he is interested in returning for the White House event.
“I would be honoured,” he wrote. “Count me in!”
Trump is close friends with UFC President Dana White, who has appeared at rallies during both presidential bids. Immediately after winning the 2024 election, Trump brought White on stage to thank him for his efforts in helping him get reelected.
Days after reclaiming the White House last November, Trump — along with Elon Musk, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. — attended a pay-per-view card at Madison Square Garden.
Trump has long ties to combat sports. Dating back to the 1980s, he hosted several marquee boxing matches at his hotels in Atlantic City and has often been seen at UFC matches.
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