President Donald Trump has unveiled an ambitious plan to host a UFC championship fight on the White House grounds in 2026, aiming to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary with an unprecedented blend of sports and patriotism. The event, expected to draw between 20,000 to 25,000 spectators, is envisioned as a centerpiece of the “America250” celebrations.
Announced during a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on July 3, 2025, Trump detailed his vision for the event, emphasizing the ample space available on the White House grounds to accommodate such a spectacle. “We’re going to have a UFC fight—think of this—on the grounds of the White House,” he told the crowd. “We have a lot of land there. Dana [White] is going to do it.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the seriousness of the proposal, stating on social media that the president is “dead serious” about the plans.
The proposed event underscores the longstanding relationship between Trump and UFC President Dana White. Their association dates back over two decades when Trump hosted early UFC events at his Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, providing a platform for the then-nascent organization. White has been a vocal supporter of Trump, endorsing him during his presidential campaigns and speaking at Republican National Conventions.
In response to the announcement, UFC confirmed plans to organize the event as part of the America250 celebrations. While specific details regarding the fight card remain under wraps, speculation abounds about potential high-profile matchups. Notably, former UFC champions Jon Jones and Conor McGregor have expressed interest in participating. Jones, who recently re-entered the UFC’s testing pool after a brief retirement, and McGregor, who has been sidelined due to injuries, are both considered potential headliners for the historic event.
The America250 initiative, established by Congress in 2016, aims to coordinate nationwide celebrations for the country’s semiquincentennial. Under Trump’s directive, the celebrations are set to include a series of events across national parks, historic sites, and public spaces, culminating in the proposed UFC fight at the White House.
While the proposal has garnered enthusiasm from UFC fans and supporters, it has also sparked criticism. Some commentators view the blending of a combat sport with a national celebration at the presidential residence as a politicization of both sports and national symbols.
As plans for the America250 celebrations continue to unfold, the proposed UFC fight at the White House stands as a testament to the administration’s unconventional approach to commemorating the nation’s milestone anniversary. Whether the event will proceed as envisioned remains to be seen, but it has undeniably ignited a national conversation about the intersection of sports, politics, and patriotism.
