Dana White confirms UFC event at the White House in 2026

Dana White always looks for ways to innovate in the sport of mixed martial arts. That tradition will continue when the UFC becomes the first live combat sporting event at the White House, with Donald Trump’s blessing.

While the announcement came as a surprise to many, the 47th President has a public history of supporting the UFC and White. Trump can often be found attending events, but if his plans go ahead, he won’t have to travel far from his office to see the fights unfold.

Earlier this month, Donald Trump announced plans to host a UFC event at the White House. Many fighters expressed interest in competing on the card, and while some fans questioned the legitimacy of the event, Dana White has now given confirmation.

“My team already went and walked the White House,” White said during an appearance on the Full Send Podcast. “We’re putting together, sort of, the layout for it right now and probably going to pitch it to him in the next week or two.”

“The day that he said he wanted to do it, he put Ivanka [Trump] in charge. I worked with Ivanka and my team and got to where we are now. Now we’ve got to pitch the whole thing to him…”

“He loves the sport, so he wants to do a UFC event there. So, why would we say no to that?”

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White later explained how challenging the event could be to put together.

“[The event brings] tons of challenges. First of all, I don’t even know how many people can get in. Not to mention the fact [that] Secret Service isn’t going to let a lot of people come to this. Everybody’s going to have background checks.”

“Whoever gets to be there live, it will be such a unique, amazing experience in their lifetime to be able to go to this fight.”

White then detailed how unbelievable the setting could be.

“For us, when you think about when the fight is going on, when the fight’s happening and we’re filming, one whole side of the backdrop will be the White House, and then the other side will be the Washington Monument.”

“It’s so unique, so badass, and so ‘once ever’.”