US President Donald Trump has confirmed that a previously announced Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House will take place on June 14 next year. The date is significant as it coincides with the President’s 80th birthday.
Trump made the announcement during a speech at Naval Station Norfolk to mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US Navy.
The plan to host a UFC event at the White House was first revealed by Trump in July, though a specific date for the 2026 event had not been specified until now.
Long-Standing Ties
The event highlights the President’s close relationship with UFC President Dana White, whom Trump considers a close friend and political supporter. Their relationship dates back to 2000, long before Trump’s presidency, when the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City was one of the few US venues willing to host UFC events.
Since entering the White House, Trump has been a regular attendee at UFC fights, most recently in New Jersey in June. He also views fans of the combat sport as part of his political base.
The Cost of the Spectacle
Hosting the event will require significant expenditure on the White House grounds. Dana White told the Sports Business Journal this week that the UFC will spend $700,000 to replace the South Lawn grass at the White House following the event.
TKO Group Holdings, the UFC’s parent company, has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the announcement.
