The UFC is set to make history by hosting a championship fight on the grounds of the White House, according to former President Donald Trump. Speaking at an event in Iowa on Friday night, Trump revealed plans to include a UFC event as part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.
A spokesperson for the UFC confirmed the plan to The Hollywood Reporter, with UFC CEO Dana White expected to provide further details soon. Trump, addressing the crowd, said, “All of our national park 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. Does anybody watch UFC the great Dana White? We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there.”
Planning and Logistics
Trump added that the event would be a “championship fight, full fight, like 20, 25,000 people.” However, specifics regarding the location on the White House grounds and the type of structure to be built for the event remain unclear. The UFC has previously held events in Washington D.C. at the Capitol One Arena, but this would mark a significant departure from traditional venues.
The announcement comes as Trump maintains close ties with Dana White, a long-time supporter. Trump has been a frequent attendee at UFC fights, even during his presidency. The UFC, part of TKO Group Holdings led by Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro, is controlled by Endeavor, which also owns the talent agency WME.
A New Chapter for UFC Events
Dana White is known for transforming UFC fights into cultural spectacles, where the location often plays a pivotal role. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFC famously created “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi to safely host events. Last year, the organization took over the Sphere in Las Vegas, with White stating to The Hollywood Reporter that the company spent over $20 million to produce the event. “If you take what U2 did and multiply it by a million, that’s where we are,” he said.
Hosting a UFC event at the White House would set a new benchmark for event locations, unlikely to be replicated by any other sporting venture soon.
White’s recent appointment to the board of directors of Meta, invited by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, highlights his growing influence. Zuckerberg himself has become an MMA enthusiast, further intertwining the worlds of tech and sports.
America 250 Celebrations
In addition to the UFC event, Trump announced another initiative for America’s 250th anniversary: a nationally televised competition called the “Patriot Games.” This event will feature youth athletes from all 50 states competing against each other. Trump mentioned that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would lead the Patriot Games, though further details, including broadcast platforms, were not disclosed.
These announcements are part of a broader effort to commemorate the nation’s milestone anniversary with events that capture the public’s imagination and celebrate American culture and heritage.
Implications and Future Prospects
The prospect of a UFC fight at the White House raises questions about logistics, security, and the blending of sports with political and historical venues. Experts suggest that such an event could enhance the visibility of mixed martial arts, drawing in new audiences and elevating the sport’s status.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of the “Patriot Games” could foster national unity and inspire a new generation of athletes. As plans unfold, the world will be watching to see how these ambitious events will be executed and what impact they will have on both the sports world and national celebrations.
As the nation gears up for its 250th anniversary, these events promise to offer a unique blend of history, sport, and celebration, setting the stage for a memorable milestone in American history.
