In an unprecedented announcement, President Donald Trump has revealed that the White House will host a UFC championship fight next year, coinciding with the celebrations marking 250 years of American independence. This landmark event is scheduled to attract an audience of between 20,000 and 25,000 attendees, as Trump shared with an enthusiastic crowd in Iowa on Thursday.
During his speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Trump expressed excitement about the upcoming UFC event, stating, "We are going to have some incredible events, some professional events, some amateur events." This announcement is particularly noteworthy as it reflects Trump's longstanding friendship with Dana White, the president of the UFC. Trump has been a regular attendee at UFC events, including the recent UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey, where he was spotted enjoying the matches alongside White.
Addressing the crowd, Trump asked, "Does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White? We're going to have a UFC fight. We're going to have a UFC fight - think of this - on the grounds of the White House." The inclusion of a UFC fight in the celebrations is part of a broader initiative to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4th, 2026. Trump emphasized that events will also take place across the nation, stating, "Every one of our national parks, battlefields, and historic sites are going to have special events in honour of America250."
In response to Trump's announcement, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed the plans on X (formerly Twitter), exclaiming: "It's going to be EPIC!" The relationship between Trump and White goes back over 20 years, with Trump having hosted a UFC fight at the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City in 2001 when the UFC was still struggling to find suitable venues. White has been a staunch supporter of Trump's political career, endorsing his presidential bid in 2016 and describing him as a fighter.
Following a failed assassination attempt on Trump last year, White referred to Trump as a "tough guy" and the "legitimate, ultimate, American badass of all time." This characterization aligns with Trump's image as a fighter, both in politics and in his personal brand. The upcoming UFC event is expected to bolster this image, showcasing Trump as a leader who embraces American culture and entertainment.
The announcement of a UFC championship fight at the White House marks a significant moment in American history, blending sports, politics, and national pride in a celebration of 250 years of independence. As preparations begin for this monumental event, it promises to be a highlight of the upcoming festivities, drawing attention from sports fans and history enthusiasts alike.
