The UFC is set to make history as it prepares for a groundbreaking event at the White House in 2026. UFC President Dana White is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to present his plans for this monumental gathering to President Donald Trump in the near future. Just a week ago, Trump made a surprise announcement expressing his desire to host a UFC event on the White House grounds, coinciding with his ambitious plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
In a recent interview on the Full Send podcast, White revealed that he had no prior knowledge of Trump's intention to announce such a historic event. “That day we probably texted four or five times, and President Trump never told me he was going to announce it,” White shared. His team had already conducted a walkthrough of the White House, assessing logistics and layout for the anticipated event. White is poised to pitch these plans to Trump within the next couple of weeks.
According to White, Trump’s vision for the celebration aims to create a memorable experience for the American people. “He’s got this thing and I think it’s awesome; he wants the American people to enjoy the White House,” White stated. He emphasized the significance of bringing back traditions like Easter egg hunts, while also incorporating the excitement of a UFC event. “Why would we say no to that?” he added.
While the idea of hosting a UFC event at the White House is exhilarating, White acknowledges the significant challenges that come with the logistics and security protocols inherent to such a high-profile venue. Since Trump has attended numerous UFC events in the past, the UFC has extensive experience collaborating with the Secret Service to ensure proper security measures are in place. “Tons of challenges,” White remarked, noting the complexities of ensuring safety for both fighters and attendees.
White highlighted the unique nature of the event, mentioning that the backdrop of the fight would feature iconic landmarks, with one side showcasing the White House and the other the Washington Monument. “Whoever actually gets to be there live will have such a unique, amazing experience in their lifetime,” he stated, underscoring the event's once-in-a-lifetime appeal.
As for ticket sales, White anticipates that the UFC White House event will likely be an invite-only affair, with all tickets being complimentary. Although the event is still a year away, initial preparations have already begun. The UFC is tentatively planning to hold the card around the July 4 holiday in 2026. Since Trump's announcement, a flurry of fighters has expressed interest in participating, with many eager to showcase their skills on such a prestigious platform.
While it's too early to speculate on potential matchups, White is committed to delivering a card that surpasses anything the UFC has ever produced. “Everybody wants to fight on this card,” he confirmed. Notably, Jon Jones, the recently retired UFC heavyweight champion, announced his return to the sport just two weeks after his retirement, signaling his intent to compete at the White House event. White confirmed that Jones is back in the UFC's anti-doping program and remains hopeful for a high-stakes matchup against Tom Aspinall.
Additionally, White mentioned that the possibility of Conor McGregor joining the card is also on the table, contributing to the excitement surrounding the event. “Anything’s possible,” White stated, hinting at the potential for McGregor to share the stage with Jones as both fighters make their return to the octagon.
As preparations continue for this historic event, the UFC is keen on ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned. With ample time to iron out logistics and curate a thrilling fight card for July 2026, fans can expect an extraordinary celebration of both sports and American heritage. The combination of high-profile fighters, a prestigious venue, and a national celebration promises to create an unforgettable experience for all involved.
