The White House will host its first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on July 4, 2026, as part of the United States’ 250th-anniversary celebrations. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the unprecedented collaboration, noting plans are being finalized with President Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump.
The event marks a historic partnership between the mixed martial arts organization and the federal government. UFC CEO Dana White announced the plans during an August 12 interview, stating ‘It is definitely going to happen.’ This collaboration stems from President Trump’s long-standing relationship with the UFC, dating back to the early 2000s when he hosted fights at his properties before entering politics.
The fight is scheduled for Independence Day 2026, coinciding with nationwide celebrations of America’s semiquincentennial. While exact timing details remain undetermined, the event will occur during daytime festivities honoring the country’s founding anniversary.
The White House grounds in Washington D.C. will serve as the venue, though specific logistics are still being planned. President Trump suggested installing the UFC’s signature octagon cage on the South Lawn, potentially accommodating up to 25,000 spectators. The unconventional location presents unique security and infrastructure challenges that White House officials and UFC organizers are now addressing.
This initiative forms part of President Trump’s broader vision to transform the White House into a venue for large-scale public events. Recent renovations to the complex include redecorating the Oval Office, modifying the Rose Garden, and plans for a new $200 million ballroom. The UFC event represents a significant expansion of the administration’s reimagining of presidential spaces.
Logistical planning is currently underway between UFC executives and White House representatives. Dana White mentioned creating detailed renderings of potential setups and will meet with Ivanka Trump later in August to finalize arrangements. Key considerations include crowd management, media coverage, and preserving the historic property during the combat sports event.
The announcement comes shortly after Paramount secured a $7.7 billion UFC streaming deal, approved by the Trump administration. This timing has drawn scrutiny from media watchdogs, though White House officials maintain the events are unrelated. The administration emphasized that the fight will be a centerpiece of yearlong patriotic celebrations across national parks and historic sites.
Next steps involve resolving practical implementation questions, including fighter selection and ticketing. UFC legend Conor McGregor has expressed interest in participating, potentially setting up a high-profile comeback match. The White House intends to release additional details by September 2025 as planning progresses.