UPDATE: UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that a historic UFC fight night at the White House is set to occur on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. White plans to meet with President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump later this month to finalize logistics.
White declared, “It’s absolutely going to happen,” emphasizing the significance of hosting such an event on the White House south lawn, which could attract upwards of 20,000 spectators. The fight night will be broadcast live on CBS.
The announcement comes after President Trump expressed his desire for a UFC match on the White House grounds, making this a potentially groundbreaking event in the world of sports and politics. “Think about that, the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the UFC will be on the White House south lawn,” White told The Associated Press.
This ambitious plan reflects a dramatic evolution for the UFC, which started as a struggling promotion purchased for $2 million in 2001. Under White’s leadership, the organization has transformed into a multi-billion dollar entity, culminating in a $4 billion sale in 2016.
In a bold move, the UFC recently secured a seven-year deal with Paramount worth an average of $1.1 billion annually, set to begin in 2026. This deal marks a significant milestone, as all U.S. cards will stream on Paramount+ and select events will also be available on CBS.
“You have the NFL, the NBA, the UFC, and soccer globally. We’re coming. We’re coming for all of them,” White stated, highlighting the UFC’s ambition to compete with major sports leagues.
While specific matchups for the White House event are still under discussion, White indicated that a meeting with UFC matchmakers this week will focus on planning a thrilling debut card for Paramount. “This is a 1-of-1 event,” he noted, underscoring the uniqueness of the upcoming fight night.
Amid these developments, White also addressed the evolving landscape of fighter pay. “It will affect fighter pay, big time,” he affirmed, signifying potential increases as UFC continues to expand its reach and revenue streams. Notably, boxer Jake Paul commented on social media, suggesting that the new model would clarify revenue expectations for fighters.
White dismissed claims that the pay-per-view model is fading, confirming that UFC events will continue to be available on pay-per-view through the end of the current ESPN contract. He also mentioned plans for a new boxing venture in partnership with Saudi Arabia set to launch next year.
As the UFC gears up for this unprecedented event at the White House, fans and fighters alike are eagerly awaiting further announcements. This fight night promises not only to celebrate American independence but also to mark a significant chapter in sports history.
Stay tuned for more updates as details unfold regarding the fight card and other logistics leading up to this extraordinary event.