In an exciting announcement, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that a significant fight night is set to take place at the White House on the Fourth of July next year. White stated that he is scheduled to travel to Washington later this month to discuss logistics with President Donald Trump and his daughter, Ivanka Trump. This unprecedented event aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, with plans to host a UFC match on the White House grounds, potentially attracting over 20,000 spectators.
President Trump expressed his desire to hold a UFC match on the White House south lawn last month, and White emphasized the significance of this occasion. "Think about that, the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the UFC will be on the White House south lawn live on CBS," White told The Associated Press. The idea of hosting cage fights at such a renowned location would have seemed far-fetched back in 2001 when the Fertitta brothers purchased UFC for a mere $2 million and appointed White as its head.
Under White’s leadership, the UFC has transformed into a powerhouse, culminating in a $4 billion sale in 2016. His negotiations for broadcasting rights with major networks like Fox and ESPN have paved the way for a groundbreaking seven-year deal with Paramount, set to start in 2026. This deal, valued at an average of $1.1 billion annually, will feature all U.S. events on the Paramount+ streaming platform and select numbered events simulcast on CBS, showcasing UFC's expansive reach.
"You have the NFL, the NBA, the UFC, and soccer globally," White stated, highlighting UFC’s ambition to compete with other major sports leagues. Paramount has also indicated plans to explore UFC broadcasting rights outside the U.S. as they become available. As UFC matchmakers convene this week, they will work on a loaded debut card under the new Paramount agreement.
While White revealed that discussions for the White House fight night are ongoing, he noted that it is still early to determine the potential main event. "This is a one-of-one event," he remarked, acknowledging the unique nature of the occasion. As the UFC transitions to the Paramount era, there are still several moving parts regarding broadcast logistics and programming.
White also addressed the critical issue of fighter pay, stating that the new deal will significantly impact compensation. "Every time we win, everybody wins," he said, underlining the continuous growth in fighter earnings. Boxer Jake Paul weighed in on social media, suggesting that the shift away from the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model could provide fighters with a clearer understanding of their worth.
Despite the discussions surrounding the PPV model, White dismissed the notion that it is obsolete. He confirmed that UFC events will still be available on pay-per-view through the end of the current ESPN contract. Additionally, White is collaborating with Saudi Arabia to launch a new boxing venture next year, which may utilize the PPV format. "It's definitely not run its course," he asserted, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of pay-per-view in the industry.
As UFC fans eagerly await further updates on this historic fight night at the White House, the organization continues to evolve, setting new standards in the world of combat sports.
