In what may be the most unprecedented sports event in American history, UFC President Dana White confirmed Thursday that the long-rumored White House UFC fight is officially happening — and the details are as wild as the venue itself.
The event, which will commemorate America’s 250th birthday, was first teased by President Donald Trump earlier this summer. At the time, even White admitted he was caught off guard, according to Fox News.
White admitted shortly after that announcement that he had no idea Trump would mention it in a public setting, but the ball has been rolling ever since.
Now, things are full speed ahead — and The Wall Street Journal reports it’s going to be one for the history books.
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday morning that weigh-ins will take place at the Lincoln Memorial, and the event will be held on the South Lawn of the White House. Earlier plans reportedly included having fighters enter from the Oval Office.
The outlet also reported that fighters may warm up for their bouts inside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. itself, while big screens could be set up nearby for fans.
The original date was slated for July 4, but due to logistical constraints, the fight has been moved to June — still keeping the patriotic theme intact.
“This is a one-of-one event,” Dana White said last month.
And it’s not just the venue turning heads — it’s the potential fight card.
White promised “the baddest card of all time” during a podcast appearance, confirming that Jon Jones, who retired on June 21, had re-entered the drug-testing pool, a move that signals an official comeback.
“Everybody wants to fight on this card. Literally everybody,” White told the Full Send Podcast.
Jon Jones himself sounded ready for war — and ready for Washington.
“The moment I heard Donald Trump‘s announcement, I started training again,” Jones said in a recent X post.
And Conor McGregor? He’s eyeing a return too.
White even said McGregor “could be” on the same card as Jones in the nation’s capital.
This marks a massive moment not just for the UFC, but for Trump, who has consistently aligned himself with the promotion and its fighters. The former president has attended numerous UFC events, most recently UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey.
September is also packed for Trump’s sports calendar. He’s expected to attend the U.S. Open, a New York Yankees game, and the Ryder Cup — all happening in New York, the state he still considers home.
But the main event — politically and culturally — is clearly the UFC White House showdown. With Jon Jones potentially returning, McGregor in talks, and fighters lining up to join, it’s shaping up to be a blockbuster mix of sports, patriotism, and political theater.
Only one thing’s certain: nothing like this has ever happened before.
