In what sounds like a scene from a political satire, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that the organization will host a fight night on the White House lawn next Fourth of July. The event will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
White told CBS Mornings that former president Donald Trump called him with the idea and asked that Ivanka Trump be involved in the planning. White said he will meet with both Donald and Ivanka at the end of the month to review venue renderings and finalize logistics.
While UFC typically fills large stadiums and arenas, the White House event is expected to be scaled for its historic location. Trump has previously suggested up to 20,000 attendees for the celebration.
“This is a one-of-one event,” White said. “Think about that: the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the UFC will be on the White House South Lawn, live on CBS.”
Because nothing says Happy Birthday, America like cages, fighting, and a Vegas-style spectacle on the front lawn of the nation’s most famous address.
White says it’s too early to name the fighters for the July 4 event, but UFC matchmakers are working to deliver a “loaded” card for the organization’s Paramount debut.
The announcement comes shortly after UFC signed a seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount, beginning in 2026. The agreement will move U.S. fight cards to Paramount+, with select events simulcast on CBS, replacing the current pay-per-view model for most events.