Dana White’s always chasing big ideas, but this one’s massive. On July 10, 2025, during a Full Send Podcast interview, the UFC boss shared details about a UFC event at the White House on July 4, 2026, to mark America’s 250th birthday. President Donald Trump announced it a week earlier, surprising White. With Jon Jones back in the mix, White’s planning the greatest fight card ever.
Dana White’s UFC Journey
Dana White’s been the UFC president since 2001, building it into a global giant. With a net worth over $500 million, he’s led landmark events like UFC 306 at the Sphere in 2024, which won two Sports Emmys for design. White’s been close with Trump for years, who’s attended UFC events like UFC 302 and UFC 309, often cageside. Their bond started in the early 2000s when Trump hosted UFC events at his Atlantic City venues.
White’s tackled unique venues before, from Fight Island in Abu Dhabi to the Sphere. The White House, with its tight Secret Service rules, is his biggest challenge yet.
White’s White House Vision
Trump’s announcement caught White off guard.
“That day we probably texted four or five times that day, President Trump never told me he was going to announce it,” White said on the Full Send Podcast. “We had already had my team already went and walked the White House, we did all the logistics and we’re putting together sort of the layout for it right now. Probably going to pitch it to the president in the next week or two.”
White’s team, including production head Craig Borsari and Ivanka Trump, is working on the plan.
White’s excited about Trump’s vision.
“The day that he said he wanted to do it, he put Ivanka Trump in charge so I’ve worked with Ivanka and my team and got to where we are now,” he said. “Me, Craig Borsari, my head of production and Ivanka will all go pitch it to him.”
Trump wants the event to open the White House to Americans, celebrating its history.
The White House isn’t made for fights.
“Tons of challenges,” White said. “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 do this. Everybody’s going to have to have background checks.”
Tickets won’t be sold, only given out due to security.
White sees a one of a kind show.
“Whoever actually gets to be there live, it will be such unique, amazing experience in their lifetime to be able to go to this fight,” he said. “For us, when you think about when the fight is going on, while the fight is happening and we’re filming, one whole side the backdrop will be the White House, the other side will be the Washington Monument. It’s so unique, so bad ass and so once ever.”
The iconic backdrop has White fired up.
Fighters are eager to join.
“Everybody wants to fight on this card,” White said. “Literally everybody. Everybody. Here’s the thing, we’re a year away so the whole UFC landscape will change over the next year. We will absolutely, positively put on the baddest card of all time. This is going to be like an exceptional pay-per-view card.”
Jon Jones, with a 28-1 record and one no contest, retired after beating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024, but confirmed his return for this event.
White has a dream fight.
“He jumped back in the pool. Oh yeah officially,” he said about Jones. “The dream main event right now would be Aspinall versus Jones at the White House. On any main event. We’ll see.”
Tom Aspinall, the heavyweight champ with a 15-3 record, won the undisputed title against Curtis Blaydes on July 27, 2024, at UFC 304. White also hinted Conor McGregor, with a 22-6 record, could fight Michael Chandler.
Set for July 4, 2026, the event ties to America’s 250th birthday. Trump wants 20,000 to 25,000 fans, but White expects fewer due to security.
White’s all in.
“He’s got this thing and I think it’s awesome, he wants the American people to enjoy the White House,” he said. “This is our place, all the history that’s there. He’s bringing back the Easter egg hunts and things that used to happen there. He loves the sport so he wants to do a UFC event there. Why would we say no to that?” via MMAFighting
The card could feature stars like Dustin Poirier or Max Holloway.
Dana White’s career is about making history. From saving the UFC in its early days to hosting fights during the COVID pandemic, he’s taken on tough challenges. The White House event is his biggest yet, with Jones and Aspinall as a potential headliner. The pay-per-view card will be stacked.
