President Donald Trump Proposes Historic UFC Championship Event at the White House for 2026

In a surprising and unprecedented move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to host a UFC event on the grounds of the White House in 2026. The declaration came during a rally in Iowa on Thursday, where Trump unveiled a range of celebratory plans in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Trump, known for his longstanding relationship with UFC CEO Dana White, revealed that a full-scale UFC championship fight will be one of the many highlight events for the semiquincentennial celebration.

“Does anybody watch UFC?” Trump asked the rally crowd. “The great Dana White. "We’re going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. Dana’s going to do it. Dana’s great, one of a kind. We’re going to have a UFC fight, a championship fight, like full fight, 20, 25,000 people and we’re going to do that as part of 250 also.”

If the plan materializes, it would mark the first time a major sporting event—let alone a UFC fight—has ever taken place at the White House. While UFC events have previously been held in Washington, D.C., none have approached the symbolic magnitude or historic setting of the White House South Lawn. The logistics of staging such an event remain unclear, but Trump’s confidence in Dana White’s ability to deliver is unwavering.

The idea was announced as just one piece of Trump’s larger vision for America’s 250th birthday celebration, dubbed “American 250.” His plans also include the Patriot Games, a nationwide athletic competition that would see youth athletes from all 50 states compete in various sports and physical challenges—an effort Trump hopes will foster national pride and athletic excellence among America’s youth.

The announcement also holds potential strategic significance for the UFC’s future broadcast ambitions. As the UFC enters broadcast negotiations in 2026, it’s been reported that the promotion is seeking a record-setting deal worth approximately $1 billion per year. Hosting an iconic event on the White House lawn could serve as a powerful visual and promotional tool, showcasing the UFC’s cultural relevance and political reach. The clip of Trump's announcement was even posted on the UFC’s official Instagram account, highlighting the organization’s support and likely collaboration.

Trump’s deep-rooted friendship with Dana White has been well-documented. White has spoken on Trump’s behalf at multiple Republican National Conventions, and Trump himself is frequently seen at UFC events, most recently at UFC 316 in New Jersey, where fighters made a point of greeting him cageside after their wins. Their mutual loyalty and business synergy make such a bold endeavor feasible from a relationship standpoint, even if political or logistical hurdles may yet remain.

Ultimately, the White House UFC event would not only mark a first in sports history but also elevate the UFC’s already growing mainstream visibility. Trump’s proposal signals how far the UFC has come from its early days and cements its place in the American cultural and political landscape. Should the event go forward, it will stand as a monumental occasion for both MMA and U.S. history.