Dana White rules out future White House UFC events: 'I can't afford it'

UFC president Dana White says the promotion’s historic fight card at the White House was a huge success, but insisted the event will never happen again.

Speaking after UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, White said the event exceeded expectations despite costing the company heavily.

“I can't afford it. I'll never do the Sphere again, and we'll never do this again,” he said tp reporters.

The event, which featured Justin Gaethje defeating Ilia Topuria in the main event, was staged as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.

White said the card delivered strong results across ticket sales, merchandise and streaming numbers, although he did not reveal exact figures.

“In every way you can gauge success,” he said.

The UFC boss also described the event as a “one-of-one” experience rather than the beginning of regular outdoor cards at major US landmarks.

White admitted concerns over weather, production costs and logistics played a major role in the decision.

He also dismissed criticism surrounding the use of federal landmarks for the event after a legal challenge attempting to block the card failed in court last week.

“[Expletive]. I don't give a [expletive] about them,” White said when asked about critics.

White added that the event was meant to celebrate the United States rather than promote politics: “There was no political agenda or anything like that.”