U.S. President Donald Trump announced his plan to host a mixed martial arts (MMA) fight with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at the White House in 2026, as quoted by NPR on Friday, July 4, 2025.
"Does anybody watch UFC and the great Dana White? We're going to have a UFC fight...on the grounds of the White House," said Trump during a public rally in Iowa.
The statement was recorded in a video uploaded by the UFC through social media. The UFC event is part of the celebration of the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. "Dana's great, one of a kind—we're going to have a UFC fight, championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people," said Trump.
He also mentioned that in addition to the UFC fight, several other professional and amateur events are also planned as part of the celebration.
Trump and the UFC CEO's Friendship
Trump is known to have a friendship with Dana White. The UFC CEO has often shown support for Trump, including appearing at the Republican National Convention and leading up to the 2020 presidential election.
Trump has been an honored guest at various UFC events, including the recent UFC 316 held in New Jersey.
Although the UFC has held events in Washington DC before, the planned event in 2026 will be a historic occasion, as it will be the first time a major sporting event is held directly on the grounds of the White House.
As part of the American 250 concept, Trump has also designed various other activities, including the Patriot Games, which bring together young athletes from 50 states in various sports.
About the UFC
The UFC is the world's largest MMA promoter based in Las Vegas. The company is owned and operated by Endeavor Group Holdings along with Silver Lake Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and MSD Capital through Zuffa, LLC.
The first UFC event was held at McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado, in 1993. At that time, the competition was intended to identify the most effective martial art with minimal rules. The free competition included various disciplines such as boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian jujitsu, sambo, wrestling, Thai boxing, karate, taekwondo, and judo.
The UFC has adopted MMA regulations. Under these rules, MMA participants must fight inside the ring, wearing open-fingered padded gloves, but no shoes or headgear. They are allowed to strike, throw, kick, or grapple with opponents, and attacks can be launched from a standing position or on the ground.
Headbutts, eye gouging, biting, hair pulling, and any form of striking the groin are prohibited. Elbow strikes to the head, throat, and spine are also prohibited. Likewise, certain attacks against a fallen opponent, including kicking, are not allowed.
Hendrik Khoirul Muhid also contributed to the writing of this article
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