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President Donald Trump said he plans to host a UFC championship fight at the White House as part of next year’s celebration marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Speaking Thursday night at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trump teased a slate of events tied to the America250 commemoration, including professional and amateur competitions. He highlighted the UFC event as a centerpiece of the festivities.
“We’re going to have some incredible events,” Trump said. “Some professional events, some amateur events. But the UFC fight is going to be a big deal, too.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a pool reporter the president is “dead serious” about the plan, and a UFC spokesperson confirmed the idea is being coordinated with UFC CEO Dana White.
Trump described the event 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.
In his speech, Trump also mentioned other America250 events in the works, including a “Great American State Fair,” a National Mall celebration, and an athletic competition he called the “Patriot Games.”
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor says he’s interested in fighting at the White House as part of the America250 celebration proposed by Trump.
“Count me in!” McGregor wrote on social media, adding that he had already discussed the idea with UFC CEO Dana White.
The fighter has not competed in the UFC since July 2021, but his message adds to the growing buzz around the president’s plan to bring a mixed martial arts event to the White House grounds next year.