PFL Aims to Join Trump’s White House Fight Night with Francis Ngannou Headlining Mega Card

In a surprising blend of politics and combat sports, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has thrown its hat into the ring for what could become one of the most historic MMA events ever staged—right on the grounds of the White House.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently sparked widespread interest after declaring his intention to host a UFC event at the White House as part of the country’s 250th Independence Day celebration in 2026. Trump, a well-known MMA enthusiast and longtime ally of UFC CEO Dana White, wants to go all-out for the momentous occasion. According to his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, the former president is “dead serious” about the plan, which includes a crowd of up to 25,000 people for a July 4th spectacle.

Capitalizing on this buzz, PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis took to X (formerly Twitter) with a bold proposition: host an all-day MMA celebration that includes a PFL showcase in the afternoon, followed by the UFC card in the evening.

“MMA at White House great idea @realDonaldTrump for July 4, 2026,” Davis posted. “PFL has WOW fight card for MMA fans to celebrate USA 250 anniversary! @PFLMMA afternoon @ufc evening.”

In Davis’s vision, the PFL would deliver a marquee fight card loaded with high-profile names from its roster, headlined by none other than former UFC heavyweight champion and current PFL star Francis Ngannou. His proposed opponent? Former Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov, in a massive cross-promotional showdown.

Here’s the full lineup Davis suggested:

• Francis Ngannou vs. Vadim Nemkov

• Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes

• Dakota Ditcheva vs. Liz Carmouche

• Renan Ferreira vs. Denis Goltsov

• Johnny Eblen vs. Corey Anderson

• Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco

• AJ McKee vs. Jesus Pinedo

This lineup isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a statement of intent from PFL, demonstrating its ability to rival UFC in star power and competitive depth. It also highlights the promotion’s ambition to be part of the conversation when MMA history is being written.

However, the path to pulling off such an event is anything but simple. The White House is not equipped to serve as a traditional fight venue, lacking an indoor arena to host events of that scale. Any such gathering would have to take place outdoors—something major MMA organizations usually shy away from due to unpredictable weather and potential safety concerns related to the fighting surface.

Still, with the close relationship between Trump and Dana White, and given the symbolic significance of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the UFC may be willing to bend its usual rules. Should the event proceed, PFL wants to ensure it has a seat at the table—and possibly the afternoon spotlight.

By offering a collaboration rather than competition, Davis and PFL are leveraging the moment to position themselves as patriotic partners in celebrating America’s legacy—through the universal language of combat sports.