President Donald Trump revealed plans for a high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event to be held at the White House on June 14, his 80th birthday. “And on June 14, next year, we’re going to have a big UFC fight at the White House, right at the White House on the grounds,” Trump stated. The Hill has contacted the White House for confirmation.
UFC fighter Conor McGregor expressed willingness to participate in the matchup. Earlier this month, the White House disclosed details to The Hill, including fireworks, light shows, fighter weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial, and fan activities across the National Mall. The UFC’s octagon cage is set to be placed on the White House south lawn for the event, first hinted by Trump in July.
At UFC 320 on Saturday night, UFC CEO Dana White discussed preparations for the White House event. “Then in February, we’ll start looking at building the White House card,” White said, per Fox News. “I will right now tell you it will be the greatest fight card ever assembled in the history of, at least, definitely this company.” However, White emphasized the idea remains in early stages.
“We’re still talking about the production and how everything’s gonna work at the White House,” he added. “We have not started negotiating any fights for the White House yet.” The UFC is set to transition exclusively to Paramount in January following a $7.7 billion deal to leave ESPN, where it has been broadcast for years.
White noted that top fighters, including McGregor, have expressed interest in the White House card but stressed no formal negotiations have begun. “Conor wants to fight on that card, and you can clearly see he’s very fired up,” White said. “But nothing is done yet, and no fights are being negotiated with the White House.”
