Dana White is planning a historic fight night. The UFC CEO confirmed a White House event on July 4 2026, to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, airing live on CBS. He’s working with President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump to finalize details, with a meeting set for late August 2025. This unique show promises to blend MMA with national pride.
The UFC event will take place on the White House South Lawn, airing on CBS and Paramount Plus. It celebrates the US Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. White said tickets will be free but limited, with Secret Service background checks required for attendees. The White House and Washington Monument will form a striking backdrop, making this a one-of-a-kind fight night.
White’s Direct Statement
White shared his commitment on CBS Mornings.
“It is definitely gonna happen,” he said. “I talked to him last night, him being the president, and I’m flying out there at the end of this month. I’m gonna sit down and walk him through all the plans and the renderings, and we’re gonna start deciding what he wants and doesn’t want. But yeah, it’s definitely gonna happen. Think about this: July 4th, 250th birthday of the United States of America live on CBS from the White House.”
He added, “When Trump called me and asked me to do it, he said, ‘I want Ivanka in the middle of this,’ so Ivanka reached out to me, and her and I started talking about the possibilities, like where it would be. I put together all the renderings. I’m flying out there at the end of the month and I’m gonna sit down with those two and start figuring it out.” via
Dana White grew it into a global brand, securing a 2019 ESPN deal for $1.5 billion and a 2025 Paramount/CBS deal for $7.7 billion, starting in 2026.
Trump proposed the White House event in July 2025. Fighters like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones expressed interest, with Jones re-entering the UFC anti-doping pool on August 8 2025.
The UFC has held events in unique venues. In 2010, UFC 120 at London’s O2 Arena drew 17,000 fans. In 2020, Fight Island events in Abu Dhabi adapted to pandemic rules. The White House event, with its patriotic theme, stands out for its historical weight.
The lineup is unconfirmed, but White aims for a major card.
