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President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the White House will host a UFC fight on June 14, coinciding with his 80th birthday, in what organizers are calling one of the most historic sporting events in history.
Trump made the announcement in Norfolk, Virginia, during a celebration marking the Navy’s 250th anniversary. He noted several milestones on the horizon during his second term, including America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“And on June 14, next year, we’re going to have a big UFC fight at the White House, right at the White House on the grounds,” Trump said.
UFC fighter Conor McGregor confirmed last week that he will participate in the event. The White House revealed that the event will feature fireworks, light shows, weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial and fan activities throughout the National Mall.
The UFC octagon will be set up on the South Lawn, fulfilling plans Trump first hinted at in July. UFC chief executive Dana White, a close ally of the president, announced in August that preparations were complete.
“The White House fight is on,” White said in an Instagram Live video on Aug. 28. “We got it done today.”
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung told The Wall Street Journal the event represents “one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history,” adding that hosting it at the White House underscores Trump’s “vision to celebrate America’s monumental 250th anniversary.”
Officials have not yet released the full fight lineup or details on ticketing and security, but said the event is designed to be open to the public.
The president described the event during a July speech as a “championship fight, full fight” and said it could draw 20,000 to 25,000 spectators, though he acknowledged the logistical challenge of hosting that many people on White House grounds. “We have a lot of land there,” he said.
Leavitt echoed the enthusiasm in a post on X, writing, “It’s going to be EPIC!”
Trump’s relationship with UFC dates back to 2001, when his Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City hosted early events. He has remained a regular presence at major fights. He maintains a close friendship with White, who introduced Trump at the 2020 Republican National Convention and appeared at his election night celebration.