UPDATE: UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that a historic fight night will take place at the White House on July 4, 2024, coinciding with America’s 250th birthday. In an announcement earlier today, White stated, “It’s absolutely going to happen,” highlighting the significance of the event in celebrating the nation’s independence.
White is set to travel to Washington, D.C., later this month to discuss logistics with President Donald Trump and his daughter, Ivanka Trump. The President has expressed his vision for hosting a UFC match on the White House grounds, with plans to accommodate upwards of 20,000 spectators.
“This event will be monumental,” White told The Associated Press. “The UFC will be on the White House south lawn live on CBS.” The announcement has generated tremendous excitement among fight fans and political observers alike, marking an unprecedented crossover between sports and the U.S. government.
The concept of hosting a UFC fight at the White House would have seemed unlikely just a couple of decades ago. Under White’s leadership, the UFC has transformed from a struggling promotion into a major sports entity, culminating in a $4 billion sale in 2016. Recently, the UFC secured a groundbreaking seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, beginning in 2026, which includes a staggering average of $1.1 billion annually.
As UFC prepares for this unique event, White remarked, “You have the NFL, the NBA, the UFC, and soccer globally. We’re coming. We’re coming for all of them.” He emphasized that UFC matchmakers are currently finalizing plans for a loaded debut card on Paramount, although specifics regarding the main event for the White House fight night remain under wraps.
“This is a 1-of-1 event,” White asserted, noting the distinctiveness of the occasion. He also hinted at potential changes to UFC broadcasts as the organization transitions to its new era with Paramount, including possible adjustments to start times and programming formats.
In response to the evolving landscape of fighter compensation, White indicated that the new deal will significantly impact payouts. “It will affect fighter pay, big time,” he stated. The UFC has historically seen fighter pay grow alongside its success, and White is optimistic that this trend will continue.
Notably, boxer Jake Paul weighed in on the changes, suggesting that eliminating the pay-per-view model offers fighters a clearer understanding of their worth. “Every fighter in the UFC now has a clear picture of what the revenue is…no more PPV excuses,” Paul posted on social media.
Despite these advancements, White dismissed claims that the traditional pay-per-view model is obsolete. “It’s definitely not run its course,” he asserted, emphasizing that there remains substantial interest in pay-per-view events as the UFC continues to navigate its partnerships.
As anticipation builds for this groundbreaking UFC fight night at the White House, fans and observers are urged to stay tuned for further updates on match details and logistics. This historic event promises to blend sports and patriotism in a way never before seen, marking a significant moment in both UFC history and American cultural celebrations.
