President Donald Trump announced on October 5, 2025, that the previously planned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House has been scheduled for June 14, 2026, a date which also marks his 80th birthday.
The announcement was made by the President during a speech at Naval Station Norfolk, where he was marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
He stated that, “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.”
The fight is being planned as a centrepiece of the nation’s broader “America250” celebrations, commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. It is also a historic first for the brutal combat sport to be hosted at the seat of U.S. political power.
Irish UFC fighter Conor McGregor has confirmed his participation in the match.
The UFC octagon will be built on the South Lawn. The event is expected to include a full slate of activities, with the weigh-ins reportedly planned to take place at the Lincoln Memorial.
Initial estimates from the President were for 20,000 to 25,000 attendees, but UFC CEO Dana White later stated the seating capacity would be limited to 5,000 people due to security concerns.
The UFC organisation has committed to spending an estimated $700,000 to replace the grass on the White House South Lawn after the event.
The event was initially teased for a July 4th date, before being shifted to June 14th for logistical reasons.
