Fight, fight, fight: Donald Trump confirms huge battle in White House

Donald Trump is planning a blowout for America’s 250th birthday – and a UFC championship fight on the White House lawn might just be part of it.

Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa, the former president laid out his ambitions for the July 4, 2026 celebration, saying he wants a year-long series of events across the country, including a mixed martial arts spectacle in the capital.

UFC in the White House

“Each of our national parks and historic landmarks will be hosting celebrations to mark the 250th,” Trump said. “I think we’ll have a UFC fight. I’m thinking in the White House grounds – we have a lot of land – and Dana [White] will make it great with a championship fight.”

Trump, a longtime friend of UFC president Dana White, also floated the idea of a full-scale stadium setup for the fight, estimating a crowd of “maybe 20,000 to 25,000 people.”

According to the Associated Press, a White House spokesperson said they had no information about the event, but press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump is “very serious” about the plans.

Trump and the UFC: a ringside regular

Trump is a passionate fan of mixed martial arts and is frequently spotted at UFC events. Most recently, he attended UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 16, 2024, where Jon Jones successfully defended his heavyweight title.

He also appeared at UFC 316, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where Merab Dvalishvili retained his bantamweight crown against Sean O’Malley, and Kayla Harrison submitted Julianna Peña to win the women’s bantamweight title.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.