Credited from: INDIATIMES
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make history by hosting a fight on the White House lawn on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the celebration of America's 250th birthday. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the event during an interview, stating, "It is definitely going to happen," emphasizing the significance of the occasion, which is expected to feature a large audience, possibly up to 25,000 spectators, according to India Times and CBS News.
President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for this unprecedented fighting competition to take place at the White House, indicating that he wants Ivanka Trump to play a central role in the event's organization. "When [Trump] called me and asked me to do it, he said, ‘I want Ivanka in the middle of this,’” White shared, confirming that planning discussions have been initiated with Trump and Ivanka for logistical arrangements, as noted by LA Times and HuffPost.
The fight will mark a significant moment in both sports and cultural history, transforming the White House into a unique venue for MMA action. White also mentioned the logistical challenges of hosting such an event on the lawns, but he remained optimistic about its potential for symbolism and visibility. “Even if there’s only one seat at this thing. This is so monumental and historical...that Octagon on the lawn is a powerful image,” he stated, as reported by BBC and Anadolu Agency.
Alongside the planning of this landmark event, the UFC has recently finalized a substantial seven-year streaming deal valued at approximately $1.1 billion with Paramount. This deal aligns the UFC with mainstream media, preparing for broader coverage and audience engagement, paralleling the anticipated high-profile nature of the upcoming fight night, as indicated by India Times and HuffPost.
This announcement has generated excitement and speculation about potential matchups, with many eager to see how the UFC will present this unique blend of sports and politics at one of America's most significant landmarks, highlighted in reports from India Times and LA Times.