UFC president Dana White has confirmed that a major UFC event will take place on the White House lawn in 2025 to commemorate the United States’ 250th birthday. The historic event, set to be broadcast live on CBS, is being described as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ occasion. White, who initially expressed surprise at former President Donald Trump’s public announcement of the event, has now confirmed that the event is ‘absolutely going to happen.’ The event will feature some of the sport’s top fighters, including Jon Jones, who has already confirmed his participation after rejoining the UFC’s drug testing program. Conor McGregor, another prominent fighter, has also shown interest in competing at the event, with White suggesting the possibility of a matchup between the two.
Trump has attended numerous UFC events over the years, including the recent UFC 316 in Newark, N.J. The UFC is also part of a larger strategy to expand its global reach, as the organization plans to transition from a pay-per-view model to a streaming platform on Paramount+ starting in 2026 as part of a $7.7 billion media rights deal. This shift aims to make UFC events more accessible to fans worldwide, with select events air on CBS without additional cost. The White House fight event will be the first of its kind, combining sports, politics, and national celebrations in a unique fashion.
White’s comments, as well as Jones’ public statements, indicate that the event is not just a theoretical possibility but an actual plan. Jones, who retired in June and recently celebrated his victory with a Trump dance, is rejoining the sport and is now training for the fight. McGregor has also expressed interest in the event, with White stating that the two fighters could potentially clash at the event. The event is expected to be one of the most high-profile in UFC history, with its historical significance and the presence of prominent figures in both sports and politics.
Overall, the event represents a bold move by the UFC to leverage its brand in a unique way, combining the sport with a major national celebration. With the potential for high-profile matchups, the event is anticipated to be a significant moment for both the UFC and the White House, marking the country’s 250th anniversary with an unprecedented spectacle.