President Donald Trump has announced an exciting—and controversial—addition to the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday: a UFC fight on the White House lawn.
During a speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on July 3, Trump revealed that the nationwide festivities, known as “America250,” will include a special UFC championship fight on the grounds of the White House.
This ambitious plan is part of his broader vision for the celebration, which he says will involve events across national parks and historic sites.
A UFC Fight at the White House
Speaking to a crowd at the fairgrounds, Trump enthusiastically shared the details of the planned UFC event. He mentioned his long-standing relationship with UFC President Dana White, who has publicly supported Trump in the past, including during the 2024 Republican National Convention.
“Does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White? We’re going to have a UFC fight… on the grounds of the White House,” Trump said, pointing out the expansive land available for such a spectacle.
The president elaborated on the plans, suggesting that an octagon would be built on the White House grounds, with the event likely attracting a crowd of 20,000 to 25,000 people. He assured the audience that Dana White would be handling the logistics, calling White “great” and “one of a kind.”
Trump emphasized that this UFC championship fight would be a key feature of the “America250” celebrations, aiming to create an unforgettable spectacle.
Concerns and Logistics
The National Park Service, which manages the White House grounds, has not yet commented on the proposal. While the plan for a UFC event at such a prestigious location may raise eyebrows, Trump’s longstanding connection to UFC and his close ties with Dana White have made this vision seem somewhat plausible.
The White House grounds have hosted various events before, but a live sports event of this nature is unprecedented.
UFC’s Influence During Trump’s Presidency
Trump’s connection to UFC isn’t new. Throughout his 2024 presidential campaign, he attended multiple UFC events, enjoying front-row access at several high-profile matches. At a March 2024 event in Miami, Trump even joined in chants from the crowd—some of which were aimed at President Joe Biden.
After securing the presidency in November 2024, Trump attended UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden with notable figures such as Elon Musk and Kid Rock, strengthening his public association with the sport and its fanbase.
In addition to his personal involvement, the Trump administration has shown interest in partnering with the UFC in other ways. In February, newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel suggested collaborating with the UFC to improve the fitness levels of FBI agents.
Although the UFC spokesperson denied any formal conversations between the FBI and UFC, it shows the administration’s ongoing ties to the mixed martial arts company.
President Trump’s announcement of a UFC fight on the White House lawn for America’s 250th birthday has certainly raised eyebrows, sparking debates on the appropriateness of such an event at the nation’s most iconic address.
While details remain sparse, it is clear that Trump’s relationship with UFC and Dana White plays a central role in this proposal.
As the “America250” celebrations begin to take shape, it remains to be seen whether this high-profile, live sports event will actually come to fruition or if it will encounter obstacles from officials or public opinion. Either way, it’s clear that Trump is determined to leave a lasting mark on the country’s anniversary celebrations.
